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The Security Council Security Council Situation Report 25 September 2023
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. Peace and Security in Africa is a new topic, which was not included in the Handbook, as such, some background is provided on the two situations presented, but representatives are encouraged to read through the linked sources for a fuller picture of the two issues. For a more comprehensive background on the situation in Mali, you can also read the 2023 AMUN Handbook Security Council section on the Situation in Mali.
The Situation in Mali
Following the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2690 on 30 June 2023, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been engaged in winding down its operations and withdrawing from Mali. On 18 August 2023, the Security Council was addressed on the withdrawal process by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who reported that the withdrawal process faces a number of challenges but is on track to be completed by 31 December 2023. He did express concern that, due to the limited time frame for withdrawal, there will be no time for a transition period and “some tasks will not be able to be transferred effectively.” Pursuant to the terms of the resolution, the Malian government will take over command of the MINUSMA bases. However, the Special Representative noted that there is some dispute within Mali about this. He emphasized that, though MINUSMA is leaving and its mandate is ending, the United Nations will have a continued presence in Mali and its “work has never been as vital as it is today.”
Bibliography
United Nations Security Council (28 August 2023). As United Nations Closes Mali Operation, Many Delegates in Security Council Urge Transitional Government to Guarantee Mission’s Safe, Unhindered Withdrawal.
United Nations Documents
United Nations, Security Council (2023). The Situation in Mali. S/PV.9407.
United Nations, Security Council (2023). The situation in Mali (MINUSMA). S/RES/2690(2023).
Peace and Security in Africa (Niger)
On 26 July 2023, the President of Niger, Mohamad Bazoum, was overthrown in a military coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Coup leadership cited the worsening security situation in Niger as the reason for their rebellion. The United Nations Secretary-General, the Security Council and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) immediately condemned the coup.
On 30 July, in an Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS suspended Niger from ECOWAS, closed borders and airspace with Niger, and froze Nigerien state assets. On 31 July, the United Nations stated it would remain engaged with humanitarian operations in Niger, but the border and airspace closure would impact the distribution of aid to other countries in the region. On 10 August ECOWAS issued a further statement activating the ECOWAS standby force to restore the constitutional order in Niger. Foreign observers noted the presidents of ECOWAS member states said military action was a last resort, and that many ECOWAS members may not have the capacity to take military action against Niger. Following the coup, General Tchiani has adopted an anti-French and pro-Russian position, with suggestions the coup government has reached out to the mercenary Wagner Group. The Wagner Group was known to be operating in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
On 20 August, after meeting with ECOWAS negotiators, General Tchiani issued a statement promising to return Niger to a civilian government within three years. In the statement, General Tchiani also condemned ECOWAS for closing borders, implementing sanctions, cutting electricity and blocking imports. However, ECOWAS rejected a prolonged transition, urging a quick return to civilian rule in Niger. A further statement from ECOWAS emphasized the community is focusing on diplomatic initiatives alongside partners such as the United Nations, the African Union and traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto. The statement added that, hopefully, the diplomatic efforts will make the use of force unnecessary.
Bibliography
Akinpelu, Yusuf (5 August 2023). Niger coup: Three scenarios for what next. BBC News.
Armstrong, Kathryn (8 August 2023). Niger coup: Wagner taking advantage of instability – Antony Blinken. BBC News.
ECOWAS to fully explore diplomatic channel in resolving political crisis in Niger (26 August 2023). ECOWAS.
Ewokor, Chris (20 August 2023). Niger coup leader Gen Tchiani promises to handover power in three years. BBC News.
Ewokor, Chris, and Sean Seddon (11 August 2023). Niger Coup: Ecowas to deploy standby force. BBC News.
Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in Niger (30 July 2023). ECOWAS.
Guterres condemns apparent coup attempt in Niger (26 July 2023). UN News.
Melly, Maul (10 August 2023). General Tchiani: The ex-UN peacekeeper who seized power. BBC News.
Plummer, Robert (28 July 2023). Niger coup: Simple guide to what’s happening. BBC News.
Second Extraordinary Summit of the Ecowas Authority Of Heads Of State And Government On The Political Situation In Niger (10 August 2023). ECOWAS Press Releases.
United Nations Security Council (28 July 2023). Press Statement by the Security Council on The Situation in the Republic of Niger.
UN pledges to ‘remain engaged and committed’ amid attempted coup in Niger (31 July 2023). UN News.
Peace and Security in Africa (Gabon)
After the French colonial occupation of Gabon ended in the 1960s, the Bongo family came to power. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, when his son Ali Bongo became President. The Bongo family’s rule was characterized by claims of corruption, nepotism, and controversial elections, notably in 2016. In recent years Gabon has struggled with poverty and a high unemployment rate. There was one unsuccessful coup attempt in 2019.
The latest elections were held on 26 August 2023, with Ali Bongo winning with 64 percent of the vote. Bongo’s opposition claimed the election was fraudulent due to a lack of international observers, suspension of some foreign broadcasts, suspension of internet services and a nationwide nighttime curfew. Political tensions culminated on 30 August when a military coup d’etat successfully overthrew the Bongo government. The military junta declared the recent election canceled and placed President Bongo under house arrest. The junta also closed all borders and dissolved state institutions. General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as president; he has promised to hold new elections but has not given a timeline for when these will occur. The success of the coup was celebrated in Gabon, but it was condemned by the Secretary-General, the international community and the African Union, with the African Union suspending Gabon’s membership.
Bibliography
Chrisafis, Angelique (30 December 2010). Omar Bongo pocketed millions in embezzled funds, claims US cable. The Guardian.
El Hammar Castano, Aicha, Emma Ogao, and Morgan Windsor (7 September 2023). Gabon’s coup leaders say ousted president is ‘freed’ and can travel on a medical trip. ABC News.
Gabon coup council to swear in its leader as president (31 August 2023). Agence France-Presse via The Guardian.
Gabon coup: How did events unfold? (30 August 2023). AfricaNews.
Gabon Coup Leader Will Not Rush to Elections Despite Mounting Pressure (2 September 2023). Reuters via Voice of America News.
Gabon’s parliament set ablaze after President Bongo wins disputed election (1 September 2016). Euronews.
Gabon President Ali Bongo wins third term after disputed election (29 August 2023). Reuters.
Gabon: Five Things To Know (30 August 2023). Agence France-Presse via Barron’s.
MacLean, Ruth (7 January 2019). Gabon detains soldiers after failed coup. The Guardian.
World reaction to the military coup in Gabon (30 August 2023). Al Jazeera.
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. Peace and Security in Africa is a new topic, which was not included in the Handbook, as such, some background is provided on the two situations presented, but representatives are encouraged to read through the linked sources for a fuller picture of the two issues. For a more comprehensive background on the situation in Mali, you can also read the 2023 AMUN Handbook Security Council section on the Situation in Mali.
The Situation in Mali
Following the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2690 on 30 June 2023, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been engaged in winding down its operations and withdrawing from Mali. On 18 August 2023, the Security Council was addressed on the withdrawal process by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who reported that the withdrawal process faces a number of challenges but is on track to be completed by 31 December 2023. He did express concern that, due to the limited time frame for withdrawal, there will be no time for a transition period and “some tasks will not be able to be transferred effectively.” Pursuant to the terms of the resolution, the Malian government will take over command of the MINUSMA bases. However, the Special Representative noted that there is some dispute within Mali about this. He emphasized that, though MINUSMA is leaving and its mandate is ending, the United Nations will have a continued presence in Mali and its “work has never been as vital as it is today.”
Bibliography
United Nations Security Council (28 August 2023). As United Nations Closes Mali Operation, Many Delegates in Security Council Urge Transitional Government to Guarantee Mission’s Safe, Unhindered Withdrawal.
United Nations Documents
United Nations, Security Council (2023). The Situation in Mali. S/PV.9407.
United Nations, Security Council (2023). The situation in Mali (MINUSMA). S/RES/2690(2023).
Peace and Security in Africa (Niger)
On 26 July 2023, the President of Niger, Mohamad Bazoum, was overthrown in a military coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Coup leadership cited the worsening security situation in Niger as the reason for their rebellion. The United Nations Secretary-General, the Security Council and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) immediately condemned the coup.
On 30 July, in an Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS suspended Niger from ECOWAS, closed borders and airspace with Niger, and froze Nigerien state assets. On 31 July, the United Nations stated it would remain engaged with humanitarian operations in Niger, but the border and airspace closure would impact the distribution of aid to other countries in the region. On 10 August ECOWAS issued a further statement activating the ECOWAS standby force to restore the constitutional order in Niger. Foreign observers noted the presidents of ECOWAS member states said military action was a last resort, and that many ECOWAS members may not have the capacity to take military action against Niger. Following the coup, General Tchiani has adopted an anti-French and pro-Russian position, with suggestions the coup government has reached out to the mercenary Wagner Group. The Wagner Group was known to be operating in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
On 20 August, after meeting with ECOWAS negotiators, General Tchiani issued a statement promising to return Niger to a civilian government within three years. In the statement, General Tchiani also condemned ECOWAS for closing borders, implementing sanctions, cutting electricity and blocking imports. However, ECOWAS rejected a prolonged transition, urging a quick return to civilian rule in Niger. A further statement from ECOWAS emphasized the community is focusing on diplomatic initiatives alongside partners such as the United Nations, the African Union and traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto. The statement added that, hopefully, the diplomatic efforts will make the use of force unnecessary.
Bibliography
Akinpelu, Yusuf (5 August 2023). Niger coup: Three scenarios for what next. BBC News.
Armstrong, Kathryn (8 August 2023). Niger coup: Wagner taking advantage of instability – Antony Blinken. BBC News.
ECOWAS to fully explore diplomatic channel in resolving political crisis in Niger (26 August 2023). ECOWAS.
Ewokor, Chris (20 August 2023). Niger coup leader Gen Tchiani promises to handover power in three years. BBC News.
Ewokor, Chris, and Sean Seddon (11 August 2023). Niger Coup: Ecowas to deploy standby force. BBC News.
Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in Niger (30 July 2023). ECOWAS.
Guterres condemns apparent coup attempt in Niger (26 July 2023). UN News.
Melly, Maul (10 August 2023). General Tchiani: The ex-UN peacekeeper who seized power. BBC News.
Plummer, Robert (28 July 2023). Niger coup: Simple guide to what’s happening. BBC News.
Second Extraordinary Summit of the Ecowas Authority Of Heads Of State And Government On The Political Situation In Niger (10 August 2023). ECOWAS Press Releases.
United Nations Security Council (28 July 2023). Press Statement by the Security Council on The Situation in the Republic of Niger.
UN pledges to ‘remain engaged and committed’ amid attempted coup in Niger (31 July 2023). UN News.
Peace and Security in Africa (Gabon)
After the French colonial occupation of Gabon ended in the 1960s, the Bongo family came to power. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, when his son Ali Bongo became President. The Bongo family’s rule was characterized by claims of corruption, nepotism, and controversial elections, notably in 2016. In recent years Gabon has struggled with poverty and a high unemployment rate. There was one unsuccessful coup attempt in 2019.
The latest elections were held on 26 August 2023, with Ali Bongo winning with 64 percent of the vote. Bongo’s opposition claimed the election was fraudulent due to a lack of international observers, suspension of some foreign broadcasts, suspension of internet services and a nationwide nighttime curfew. Political tensions culminated on 30 August when a military coup d’etat successfully overthrew the Bongo government. The military junta declared the recent election canceled and placed President Bongo under house arrest. The junta also closed all borders and dissolved state institutions. General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as president; he has promised to hold new elections but has not given a timeline for when these will occur. The success of the coup was celebrated in Gabon, but it was condemned by the Secretary-General, the international community and the African Union, with the African Union suspending Gabon’s membership.
Bibliography
Chrisafis, Angelique (30 December 2010). Omar Bongo pocketed millions in embezzled funds, claims US cable. The Guardian.
El Hammar Castano, Aicha, Emma Ogao, and Morgan Windsor (7 September 2023). Gabon’s coup leaders say ousted president is ‘freed’ and can travel on a medical trip. ABC News.
Gabon coup council to swear in its leader as president (31 August 2023). Agence France-Presse via The Guardian.
Gabon coup: How did events unfold? (30 August 2023). AfricaNews.
Gabon Coup Leader Will Not Rush to Elections Despite Mounting Pressure (2 September 2023). Reuters via Voice of America News.
Gabon’s parliament set ablaze after President Bongo wins disputed election (1 September 2016). Euronews.
Gabon President Ali Bongo wins third term after disputed election (29 August 2023). Reuters.
Gabon: Five Things To Know (30 August 2023). Agence France-Presse via Barron’s.
MacLean, Ruth (7 January 2019). Gabon detains soldiers after failed coup. The Guardian.
World reaction to the military coup in Gabon (30 August 2023). Al Jazeera.