Vietnam supports the important role played by the United Nations, the Peacebuilding Commission, the AU, and other international organisations in assisting the West African nations in addressing the root causes of conflicts, tackling cross-border challenges and promoting socio-economic development.

Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung, Vietnamese Charge d’ Affaires at the UN, made the statement at a UN Security Council debate on operations of the UN Office in West Africa (UNOWA) in New York on July 7.

The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the importance of the strengthened cooperation among the concerned stakeholders, especially in preventive diplomacy, mediation and peaceful settlements of disputes, in consolidating peace and promoting regional countries’ socio-economic development.

He applauded the emergence of positive trends towards peace, recovery and stability in West Africa over the past time.

“We, however, share the concerns about the continuing vulnerability of the subregion to the socio-economic, environmental and humanitarian challenges, including widespread poverty, rapid urbanisation, high rates of population growth, overdependence on rain-fed agriculture, disertification, outbreaks of cholera and other gastro-intestinal diseases,” Giang said.

Furthermore, emerging cross-border threats such as organised crimes, drug trafficking and the impact of climate change on food security, if not properly managed, may jeopardize ongoing endeavours and the gains achieved so far, he added.

“The resurgence of political violence and unconstitutional changes of Governments in a number of West African countries is also a source of concern that requires sustained efforts and continued vigilance towards national reconciliation, the rule of law, security sector reform and capacity-building,” the diplomat noted./.