U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has emphasized the urgent need for international support to tackle the escalating security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel.
At the UN Security Council, Ambstssador Thomas-Greenfield dtated he severe challenges faced by the region, called for a united global response to support African leadershsip in combating terrorism and addressing humanitarian needs.
During the briefing, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged the significant changes over the past year, including the MINUSMA drawdown, the end of the Mali Sanctions regime, and the dissolution of the G5 Sahel. She stressed the critical importance of the UNOWAS mandate and its reporting in maintaining stability and addressing the ongoing issues in the region.
“The people of West Africa and the Sahel continue to suffer,” stated Thomas-Greenfield. “Terrorism and violent extremism plague communities, with governments struggling to reclaim control and record levels of violence being documented.”
The Ambassador underscored the concerning trends of increased attacks and displacement in Benin and Togo, deteriorating security in the Lake Chad Basin, and a rise in attacks and abductions in northeastern Nigeria. She highlighted the U.S. commitment to holistic partnerships and democratic governance, applauding recent democratic transfers of power in Liberia and Senegal, as well as justice system reforms in The Gambia.
Despite these positive developments, Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern over shrinking political and civic spaces, the dire humanitarian situation, and the staggering numbers of those in need of assistance. According to OCHA, 25.8 million people in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria require humanitarian aid, with 32.9 million facing food insecurity across the region.
“The United States is the largest single humanitarian donor in Africa, having provided over 1.9 billion dollars in aid since the start of 2024,” she stated. “However, it is still not enough. The international community needs to give more, and countries in the region must also step up.”
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Sudan, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield called for continued pressure on the RSF and SAF to allow humanitarian access and begin negotiations to end the violence.
In closing, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged the UN Security Council to commit to collective action, stating, “Terrorism is a global problem that requires a global solution in support of African leadership. We must resolve to stand behind our African partners in addressing these issues.”
