G5 Sahel declares coronavirus pandemic the number one enemy of the Force

For the G5 Sahel countries, the coronavirus pandemic is now the number one enemy, even before terrorism, as the region has recorded more than 1200 cases.

The Foreign Ministers of the G5 Sahel met on April 15 evening by videoconference for their first meeting since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the conference, the foreign ministers of the G5 Sahel launched an appeal to the international financial partners for a cancellation of the African debt.

 

Welcoming the plea for a moratorium on the debt of certain states, including African countries, the ministers stressed “the urgency of reflection and consultation on the most appropriate means to prevent the serious consequences of the economic recession threatening the African continent, and in particular the Sahel states.”

On Wednesday, the G20 announced the temporary suspension of debt service for the poorest countries, for a period of at least 12 months.

During their meeting, the ministers “examined the security situation in the Sahel, took stock of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in member countries and studied the strategy of coordination with partners, taking into account the serious consequences of the global health crisis in relation to the specific challenges of the Sahel,” said the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministers voiced appreciation for the aid extended by some countries but regretted the poor international solidarity with some states having restricted the export of vital products such as kits for tests and breathing apparatus.

The ministers launched an urgent appeal to all partners for an even greater solidarity, and a stronger mobilization in favor of the G5 Sahel countries, to bring emergency aid in material equipment and medicines which they sorely lack.

Mauritania, the least affected country with 8 coronavirus cases and one death, shared its experience with the other Sahel states, said the Mauritanian Foreign Minister who chaired the meeting.

A new meeting by videoconference will take place on April 24 between the G5 Foreign Ministers and the French Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers to discuss the security situation, follow-up to the Pau Summit and the new situation created by the coronavirus pandemic.