Jakarta: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has underlined his concern for Africa’s Sahel region, where deteriorating security and violence are aggravating an already difficult humanitarian situation that is unfolding amid the covid-19 pandemic and climate emergency.
Guterres addressed heads of State from the Group of Five for the Sahel, known by the diplomatic shorthand G5 Sahel, meeting on Tuesday during their summit this week in Chad.
The UN chief noted that despite recent promising developments, including the peaceful holding of elections, civilians continue to pay the price for ongoing insecurity in the region, which has displaced more than two million people.
"Covid-19 has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including economic and health challenges, and has pushed more than six million people into extreme poverty," he said in a video message to the summit.
"The G5 Sahel has a key role to play in addressing this crisis," he told the leaders.
The G5 Sahel comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Guterres further pointed to development, the rule of law and good governance as cornerstones of stability in the Sahel region.
The Secretary-General underscored the need to address the root causes of conflict, given the multidimensional and inter-related nature of the many challenges in the region.
Cek Berita dan Artikel yang lain di Google News
FOLLOW US
Ikuti media sosial medcom.id dan dapatkan berbagai keuntungan
