According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the further fight against Islamist terrorist groups in the Sahel region can only be won with more robust troops.
Munich – According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the further fight against Islamist terrorist groups in the Sahel region can only be won with more robust troops. To be honest, one has to say that the currently available security mechanisms are not capable of dealing with the terrorist groups, Guterres said on Friday at the Munich Security Conference. The fact that these groups can now also reach the coastal regions will possibly have consequences as far away as Europe.
“We need strong troops. But on this: This cannot be done with peacekeeping. This requires peace enforcement and an anti-terrorist fight.” Strong partners are needed, as in previous missions in the Balkans. “In this case, the African Union with a clear mandate that doesn’t exist now,” Guterres said.
He referred to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter (“Measures in the event of a threat to or breach of the peace and acts of aggression”) and the need for guaranteed funding for these troops. In addition, development deficits and dealing with the consequences of climate change must be addressed in the region, as well as good governance and the protection of human rights.
The European Union and the United Nations are about to reorient their commitments in the Sahel region. France will end its anti-terrorist operation in Mali with partners. Germany is involved in the EU training mission EUTM and the UN mission Minusma in Mali with a total of more than 1,300 soldiers and is putting this participation to the test. Meanwhile, violence and attacks have continued to spread despite the operations. (dpa)
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