United Nations soldiers patrolling in Bangui, the Central African Republic (Photo: AFP/VNA)Anh noted the enormous security and socio-economic challengesfaced by the region in the course of pursuing long-term peace andstability. He expressed concern aboutpersistent insecurity due to the activities of armed groups and terrorists,particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea,the reported expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province and unceasingviolence in the north-west and south-west of Cameroon.
Stressing that the humanitarian situation in the regionremains dire as a result of conflict, epidemic, floods and climate change, he alsocalled for support for humanitarian response plans. Also highlighting the importance of regionalcooperation, particularly the Economic Community of Central African States andthe International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, he urged internationalpartners to provide sustained technical and financial assistance to thecountries in the region during this challenging period.
François Louncény Fall, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-Generalfor the subregion and UNOCA head, expressed optimism about economic recoveryafter a severe recession, commending regional, continental and internationalfinancial institutions for generous financial and technical commitment.
He stressed that the Economic Community of Central AfricanStates (ECCAS) must be strong in order to help its member States addresschallenges including terrorism and violent extremism, maritime insecurity inthe Gulf of Guinea, the weak participation of women in peace and politicalprocesses and the impact of climate change.
UNSC member states all shared concerns about the difficultsocio-economic and security situation and the humanitarian crisis in CentralAfrica. They also recognised and supported the promotion of regionalcooperation efforts to address common challenges, especially dealing with armedgroups and terrorists./.
VNA
