Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on effective multilateralism - May 16th, 2023

Madam President.

I thank Ms. Martha Pobee and Mr. Eric Tiaré for their informative briefings.

We have listened attentively to Ms. Diouf.

Madam President,

While recognizing the challenges faced by the G5 Sahel, we should highlight the remarkable resilience it has shown.

In the last few months, we witnessed the first summit of heads of state of the G5 Sahel since 2021, which underscores the determination of the four remaining countries to continue to engage in order to tackle common problems.

However, as the Secretary-General pointed out in his most recent report, the process of reform of the G5 joint force has brought about the cessation of military operations.

This development is one more instance of how political factors can hamper efforts to combat violence and terrorism.

The transnational nature of the security challenges in Sahel demands regionally based responses.

In this context, Brazil is encouraged by the many regional initiatives, based on diplomacy and cooperation, that have been promoting coordinated responses to the security issues that are affecting West Africa, especially the continuous rise of terrorist activities.

I highlight, in particular, the creation of the joint military Staff Committee of the sahel region, the establishment of the task force of the Accra Initiative, as well as the ECOWAS standby force.

Madam President,

There can be no lasting peace and stability in the Sahel if the root causes of conflict are not addressed.

It is a well-established fact that armed groups take root in areas with little or non-existent state presence.

Democratic and inclusive institutions, with regular, free and fair elections, as well as respect to minorities, are necessary to create stable societies.

In that vein, Brazil encourages transitional authorities in the region to implement the respective transition plans without delay in order to allow for the complete return to constitutional normality.

We must also address the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Food insecurity, forced displacements and lack of economic prospects are aggravated by the actions of terrorist and other illegal armed groups.

Desperate individuals are an easy prey for such organizations.

As mentioned by Brazil last march, a recent UNDP report on extremism in Africa shows that economic incentives are important drivers that pull individuals towards terrorist activities.

The report makes it clear that we must move away from exclusively security-driven responses and adopt development-based approaches.

In this regard and in conclusion, we look forward to the recommendations that will be included in the independent strategic assessment currently being prepared by the independent high-level panel on security and development in the Sahel.

And I thank you.