Secretary-General Welcomes Security Council Resolution Supporting Deployment of New Counter-Terrorism Force in Sahel

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption on 21 June of resolution 2359 (2017) as a first step in support of the decision by the Group of Five for the Sahel to set up a joint force to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime, in coordination with national and other forces.  The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations, working closely with the African Union and other partners, to do its utmost to help mobilize adequate resources for the attainment of the objectives of the force as agreed by the leaders of the Group of Five and endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council.

The Secretary-General notes that the adoption of the resolution coincides with the second anniversary of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.  While welcoming the important progress made by the signatory parties, he underscores the need for expeditious progress on the remaining aspects of the agreement, with a view to consolidating and sustaining peace in Mali and the region.