COVID-19 is complicating an already complex security situation in the Sahel, with terrorist groups exploiting the pandemic as they step up attacks on national and international forces, the UN's peacekeeping chief said on Friday.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council that the last six months have been particularly challenging as the G5 Sahel group of nations - Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger - deploys a joint force to restore stability to the vast African sub-region.
Mr. Lacroix was briefing a videoconference meeting of the Council as the United Nations considers options for beefing up its support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force, including through its MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in Mali.
He said that the Joint Force is making "tangible and encouraging progress" in building up its ranks and establishing a command structure based in Niamey that will cooperate with other international forces in the Sahel.
"The G5 Sahel Joint force is on the right track, but there is still a long way to go", he said, adding that a stronger Joint Force is only part of a comprehensive international approach for the Sahel that includes improving governance, eradicating poverty and protecting human rights for all.
