The deteriorating situation in the Sahel and “increasing risks” in West Africa are deeply concerning, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, amid ongoing attacks by armed militants in the Lake Chad region, central Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
In light of these developments, “there is an urgent need for the international community to support Member States in this region”, Mr. Guterres continued, noting that the people of Africa “are on the front line of efforts to tackle terrorism and the spread of violent extremism”.