UN addresses Africa conflict; Sahel region focus of concerns

World Today

UN addresses Africa conflict; Sahel region focus of concerns

The increased Islamic violence across northern-central Africa, known as the Sahel region, took the main stage at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. Broad measures to address conflict in countries such as Mali, Libya and Nigeria were among the primary concerns for new UN Special Envoy to the Sahel, Hiroute Guebre Sellassie. CCTV’s Liling Tan reports.

From increasing terrorism to weak governance to severe shortages of resources, the countries of Africa’s Sahel region need help from the international community.In her first briefing to the UN Security Council, new Special Envoy for the Sahel Hiroute Guebre Sellassie provided a status report on UN strategy for a region that stretches from Maurtania to Eritrea, on efforts underway to strengthen security and governance– and find long-term solutions to humanitarian challenges.

Security was a key focal point, particularly for Mali, which was also under the spotlight this week at the Security Council when the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, provided a situation report Wednesday. Libya is also an area of growing concern, with little progress seen in the country’s democratic transition. The Special Envoy also warned that the dramatic surge in attacks conducted by Boko Haram and the conflict and state collapse of the Central African Republic are further destabilizing the region.

Sellassie stressed too that the humanitarian situation in the region remains extremely fragile, with 20 million people facing food shortages, 5 million children at risk of acute malnutrition, and high levels of youth unemployment that make them targets for recruitment by extremist groups.

Sellassie added that a regional strategy should center on youth employment, be inclusive of civil society, tribal and religious leaders, while also strengthening state institutions and improving coordination between governments and nations.

UN addresses Africa conflict; Sahel region focus of concerns

The increased Islamic violence across northern-central Africa, known as the Sahel region, took the main stage at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. Broad measures to address conflict in countries such as Mali, Libya and Nigeria were among the primary concerns for new UN Special Envoy to the Sahel, Hiroute Guebre Sellassie. CCTV's Liling Tan reports.

For more on the growing security issues in Africa, we were joined by Nii Akuetteh. He is a member of the TransAfrica Forum’s Scholars Council. He is also a Former Executive Director of Africa Action.

Nii Akuetteh on security in Africa

For more on the growing security issues in Africa, we were joined by Nii Akuetteh. He is a member of the TransAfrica Forum's Scholars Council. He is also a Former Executive Director of Africa Action.