UAE reaffirms commitment to fight extremism at Sahel nations' meeting

The UAE has reiterated its commitment to cooperate with African partners in the pursuit of stability and prosperity throughout the continent at a regional gathering in Chad.

Speaking at the 7th Ordinary Session of the G5 Sahel Heads of State Conference, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, stressed: "The UAE strongly believes that only by unifying our efforts to achieve our shared goals in fighting terrorism and ending extremism in the Sahel, as well as emphasising the importance of continued support for developmental and humanitarian programs, we will be able to curb extremism in all its manifestations and restore security and stability in the region."

Leaders from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger attended the meeting to coordinate collective action against persistent threats amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turning to international funds, the Minister noted, "As part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support development in the Sahel region and restore stability, the UAE has provided USD 758.17 million of assistance to the Sahel countries during the period of 2010-2020 that aimed to reinforce key sectors in those countries, primarily the healthcare, water, education, and energy sectors."

In addition, Sheikh Shakhbout Al Nahyan remarked that the UAE has provided several tonnes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to aid Sahel countries in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated that addressing the threat of instability in the Sahel region "requires the international community to pursue both a sustainable approach and a continued commitment that takes into account the development and socioeconomic needs of the region".

دولة الإمارات تؤكد التزامها بالتعاون مع الدول الأفريقية في تعزيز الاستقرار والأمن الإقليميين.https://t.co/znNqmTaUz1

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) February 15, 2021