STATEMENT

by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Khrystyna Hayovyshyn

at the UN Security Council Open Debate on "African-led and development-focused counter-terrorism: strengthening African leadership and implementation of counter-terrorism Initiatives" 

(21 January 2025)

 

Mr. President,

We welcome His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Foreign Minister of Algeria, and thank Algerian delegation for convening today’s open debate. We also extend our appreciation to all briefers for their remarks.

As of today, terrorism continues to pose a persistent global threat to international peace and security, impacting several regions worldwide, including Africa.

Ukraine is particularly concerned by the security situation in the Sahel, West Africa and Lake Chad Basin, where Al-Qaida affiliates and Boko Haram frequently attack civilians and security forces.

We are also alarmed by the fact that Da’esh and the remains of Al-Shabaab continue to present significant threat to peace and security of Somalia.

Mr. President,

No doubt, terrorism has a profound impact on social and economic development and obstructs progress on the UN’s 2030 Agenda as well as African Union’s Agenda 2063. Ukraine stands with African countries and their people who are confronting this threat.

We emphasize that in order to effectively combat terrorism a comprehensive approach is needed.

Most recently it was exemplified by the Security Council resolution 2719, which opened the door to UN Funding for African-led Peace Missions.

Ukraine welcomes the adoption by the Council of resolution 2767 (2024) endorsing the AU Peace and Security Council’s decision to replace ATMIS with the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, which we hope will strengthen response to the terrorist threat.

We commend the African-led anti-terrorism efforts, including those taken by the African Union, ECOWAS and other regional organizations.

Ukraine shares the UN Secretary-General’s view that further acceleration and full operationalization of the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force is crucial to combat terrorism in West Africa.

Mr. President,

Ukraine unequivocally condemns and rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism wherever, by whomever, against whomsoever committed.

Ukraine also recalls its unconditional adherence to the norms of international law, the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.

We cannot but express our deep concern over the ongoing destabilizing activities of military structures controlled by the Russian Federation, including the so-called "African Corps" (former “Wagner”) on the sovereign territory of a number of African States.

Russian mercenaries continue fueling internal spats and conflicts, including by engaging in grave human rights violations and abuses, illegal mining and expropriation of valuable minerals of these countries to finance the full-scale war the Russian Federation – the terrorist state – has been waging against Ukraine.

Track record of the so-called "African Corps" proves that it cannot deliver security for African states. On the contrary, all it offers is chaos and confrontation in all corners of the world, including the African continent.

Mr. President,

Today the primary importance should be attached to the consolidation of world`s efforts based on international law to give a decisive and effective rebuff to the global terrorist threat which can be repelled only through our unity and strength.

Thank you.