UN Security Council: President Berset takes part in debate on countering terrorism and protecting the civilian population
Bern, 28.03.2023 - On Tuesday, 28 March, President Alain Berset took part in a high-level UN Security Council debate dedicated to the global community's efforts to counter terrorism in Africa. In his statement, he also emphasised the protection of the civilian population, which is a priority for Switzerland in the Security Council. The debate took place at the invitation of Mozambique and was chaired by Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.
In his speech, President Berset stated that the threat posed by terrorist groups in a number of African countries was exacerbating social and economic grievances that then form a breeding ground for violence. To break this vicious circle, he said, the rule of law, prevention, partnerships and inclusion are needed above all. “Peace, security and prosperity are the best means of addressing ideologies that incite terrorist or extremist violence,” said the president. He called for closer UN cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations in Africa so that initiatives against violent extremism can be better coordinated and take sufficient account of the realities on the ground.
The debate served as preparation for Switzerland’s presidency of the UN Security Council. The presidency rotates monthly and Switzerland assumes the role in May. At the end of May, President Berset will chair a session dedicated to the protection of civilians in conflict areas, one of Switzerland’s priorities in the Security Council. Switzerland’s presidency of the Security Council was also a topic during talks with a number of heads of states and governments on the fringes of the meeting.
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