(As delivered)

Statement by H.E. Mr. Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the United Nations Security Council
On the Situation in the Lake Chad Basin

Security Council Chamber

27 July 2016

 

 

          I thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman and Mr. Stephen O’Brien for their important briefings. 

 

          The Lake Chad Basin faces growing vulnerability at an alarming scale. Approximately 9.2 million people, a population greater than that of New York City, are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and face violence perpetrated by Boko Haram. This will be compounded by the rainy season and a lean crop intake. Japan is deeply concerned by the situation on the ground, which requires a careful and dedicated response.

 

          In addressing this situation, I would like to take up two points. First, regional military cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is absolutely vital for the Lake Chad Basin. This regional initiative through the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), together with national ownership and leadership, plays an irreplaceable role in regional stabilization. Only through effective MNJTF operations can vulnerable communities receive access to humanitarian assistance. Once areas are liberated from Boko Haram insurgents, many other activities can be effectively undertaken on top of the efforts of MNJTF.

 

          The second point I would like to underline is that improved livelihoods are equally vital for stabilizing the region. The UN, regional and sub-regional organizations, national governments and donors must all work together to restore community livelihoods in the long-term while also supporting the immediate humanitarian response.

 

          The impact of the violence caused by Boko Haram is wide-ranging. Jobs and local economies are threatened, education and health services have disappeared, community institutions are undermined, and women and children have been major victims. This leads to major challenges at the local level: in Diffa, Niger, trade in the local specialties of hot peppers and dried fish remains banned out of concern that profits could fund Boko Haram. Corn growing is also banned over fears that the corn fields could provide safe haven to Boko Haram. Entire community livelihoods are at stake without economic and social development.

 

          Tomorrow, the Council will hold an open debate on peacebuilding in Africa, focusing on institution building. Communities in the Lake Chad Basin need immediate humanitarian assistance, but extending humanitarian response is no substitute for rebuilding livelihoods and institutions. People require extended state authority, credible governance, improved public administration, and expanded security. The international community must stand ready to support the region’s immediate needs as well as long-term efforts in sustaining peace.  Japan stands ready to do its part.

 

          Thank you.