Peace consolidation in West Africa - Security Council, 10073rd meeting

Security Council told political upheaval, violent extremism continue to challenge West Africa, Sahel region.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 01:27:15
• Production Date: 18 December 2025
• Asset Language: Arabic; English; French; Russian; Spanish; Chinese; Original
• Corporate Name: ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES - ECOWAS; UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL - UNOWAS
• Subject Topical: PEACE AND SECURITY; REFUGEES; RULE OF LAW; PEACE CONSOLIDATION; HUMANITARIAN CRISIS; DISPLACED PERSONS; REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS; POLITICAL VIOLENCE
• Geographic Subject: WEST AFRICA; SAHEL
• MAMS Id: 3519378
• Parent Id: 3517819
• Alternate Title: MTG SC 10073 UNOWAS 18 DEC 2025 PM

Description

Recent political upheavals in Benin and Guinea-Bissau expose ongoing vulnerability in a region already plagued by violent extremism, a senior United Nations official warned the Security Council today, as she urged increased collaboration with and between regional organizations to address these challenges.

Highlighting key developments that “illustrate both the region’s fragility and its resilience” was Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel. On 7 December, Benin’s national security forces, with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and partners, thwarted an attempted coup d’état by military officers citing grievances over deteriorating security, management of the Armed Forces and restrictions on political activity. On 26 November, in Guinea-Bissau, the military took control of the country, disrupting presidential election results. “Since then, arrests, divisive rhetoric and online hate speech are a growing cause of concern,” she stated.

• Briefer: Ms. Barrie Lynne Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (via video-teleconference)
• Statements: All Council members, with Sierra Leone speaking on behalf of: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia
• Statements: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire

Related Sites and Documents

UN Meetings Coverage

S/2025/771

S/PV.10073