Security And Economic Woes Plague West Africa, As Key Elections Loom

Leonardo Santos Simo recently addressed the ongoing political developments in West Africa, highlighting the upcoming presidential elections in Cte d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the adoption of constitutional reforms in the Gambia, where political tensions remain high. He also praised the successful elections in Ghana and Senegal, noting the "Peace Pact" signed by all presidential candidates in Ghana, which contributed to a smooth transfer of power and orderly concessions between political rivals. In Senegal, the transparency of the electoral process and the trust political parties have in national institutions were emphasized by observer missions.

These two elections demonstrate progress in democracy in the region, Simo commented.

Despite these positive developments, several countries in the region, including Ghana and Senegal, continue to face significant economic hurdles. "These nations will need support to manage rising debt and implement development projects that safeguard livelihoods," Simo warned, stressing that without such assistance, the regions democratic gains could fail to meet public expectations, particularly among women and youth.

Simo further emphasized the importance of preventive diplomacy and dialogue in the region, advocating for a collaborative, people-centered approach to address security, governance, humanitarian, and socio-economic issues. He expressed optimism about gradual progress, noting promising signs of cooperation on pragmatic solutions.

Security threats in West Africa remain a major concern, with terrorist groups becoming more aggressive and utilizing advanced weaponry, including drones. Recent attacks in the Central Sahel have resulted in numerous casualties, affecting both civilians and security forces. The violence is spilling over into the Gulf of Guinea, impacting nations like Benin and Togo, heightening the risk of further regional instability.

Simo noted the cessation of operations by the G5-Sahel Joint Force and the restructuring of the Accra Initiative, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen regional security mechanisms. He called for greater support for the Multinational Joint Task Force MNJTF, which is struggling to counter increasingly well-equipped terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin.

The humanitarian situation in the region remains dire. Chad, which hosts two million refugees and internally displaced persons IDPs, is grappling with both displacement and severe flooding, worsened by the ongoing violence in neighboring Sudan. In countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, escalating violence has displaced millions, while humanitarian appeals remain underfunded, leaving many vulnerable.

Simo urged international partners to contribute to humanitarian efforts, highlighting that the humanitarian appeal is still less than 50 funded.

Finally, Simo informed the Security Council about the recent Summit of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, where leaders discussed the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from the bloc. Although formal withdrawal procedures are set to begin in January 2025, ECOWAS leaders have allowed a six-month window for dialogue, offering the possibility of reconciliation and renewed cooperation.