Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on UNOWAS - July 25th, 2023

Mister President,

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Leonardo Simão, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, for their briefings and work for West Africa and the Sahel. On behalf of Brazil, I wish Mr. Simão every success in his new functions and assure him of my government's support.

We have carefully examined the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in West Africa and the Sahel.

As a nation deeply committed to conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts, we commend the efforts of UNOWAS in fostering preventive diplomacy, exercising good offices and advancing political mediation and facilitation across the region.

We also commend UNOWAS's emphasis on partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the African Development Bank. Brazil fully endorses and stimulates this approach, as it holds the potential for critical synergies and helps to enable African solutions to African problems.

Delving into the report's updates, we draw attention to three key areas:

First, Brazil welcomes the resilience of democratic governance in various countries in the region and the successful conduct of elections. Political participation under the rule of law is critical.

Second, however, we echo the concerns expressed regarding the reduction of political space in some countries in the region. The deteriorating security situation due to the persistence of terrorism is also quite disturbing. It reminds us of the need for long-term, comprehensive and well-coordinated efforts to fight and defeat this scourge in a sustained manner. The Security Council must support such endeavors. At the same time, it is encouraging to see improvements in the Lake Chad Basin region and in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

As a founding member of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), Brazil attaches great importance and seeks to contribute to security in the Gulf of Guinea. We stand ready to further assist counter-piracy efforts, such as bolstering cooperation among regional navies and reinforcing the Yaoundé Architecture.

Third, we are concerned about the persistent humanitarian crisis in several parts of the region, marked by violence, displacement and food insecurity. The figure of 6.3 million displaced persons is stagqering.

Addressing this critical situation requires the combined efforts by all relevant countries in the region, supported by the international community and in line with the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel.

Mister President,

In concluding, Brazil reiterates its full support to UNOWAS as it carries out essential work in its extensive area of operations.

And we remain willing to work alongside all members of the Security Council as we strive for peace, stability and sustainable development in all its countries.

Thank you.