The United Kingdom addressed the United Nations Security Council amid growing instability in West Africa and the Sahel following recent unconstitutional actions in the region. The statement focused on democratic governance, regional security cooperation, and humanitarian pressures affecting multiple states.
It set out the UK’s assessment of risks arising from political disruption and delayed transitions. The remarks were delivered in the context of heightened regional sensitivity to military takeovers. The UK positioned its comments within ongoing UN and regional engagement.
The UK condemned the coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin in a statement delivered by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at a Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel on 18 December 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, she urged a return to constitutional order and reaffirmed support for regional and UN-led responses. The statement also addressed security cooperation and humanitarian access. It was delivered at UN headquarters in New York.
UK Statement at the UN Security Council
The UK used the Security Council session to underline its opposition to unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa. The statement linked recent events to wider risks for governance, stability, and public confidence across the region.
It framed the Council as an essential platform for reinforcing shared international standards. The UK also emphasised the importance of collective messaging at a time of heightened regional tension.
Condemnation of Coups in Guinea-Bissau and Benin
The UK strongly condemned the coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin as actions that undermine democratic governance. It called for a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, including publication of election results and the release of political prisoners.
The statement welcomed mediation efforts led by regional organisations. It presented these steps as necessary to stabilise political processes.
- Return to constitutional order
- Release of political detainees
Recent Unconstitutional Events
| Guinea-Bissau | Coup following disputed presidential election and suspension of political institutions |
| Benin | Attempted military takeover halted by loyalist forces |
Regional Security Cooperation
The UK highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing transnational security challenges. It pointed to terrorism, organised crime, and climate pressures as interconnected threats affecting governance and stability.
The statement welcomed work toward a regional standby force and progress on counter-terrorism coordination. It also noted improved engagement between regional groupings.
- Counter-terrorism coordination
- Regional standby force development
Security and Cooperation Efforts
| ECOWAS initiatives | Regional mediation, security coordination, and counter-terrorism strategy implementation |
| Cross-border cooperation | Joint efforts to address insecurity and governance pressures |
Humanitarian Situation in the Sahel
The UK expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the central Sahel, where needs are expected to rise in 2026. It cited UN assessments indicating millions will require urgent assistance. The statement noted that access constraints and bureaucratic barriers continue to delay aid delivery. It urged all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Ministerial Full Speech
Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor said;
“I will make three points:
First, we strongly condemn the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin.
These actions undermine democratic governance across the region.
We urge a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the publication of official election results, and the immediate release of political prisoners.
We commend the mediation efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as their leadership.
Second, we underscore the importance of regional cooperation to tackle the transnational security challenges in the region.
Terrorist attacks, organised crime, and climate change continue to destabilise communities and weaken national governance.
Regional coordination is critical, and we welcome the work towards a regional standby force and efforts to build on the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
We commend too the increased engagement between ECOWAS and the AES.
We welcome the progress made by Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the ICJ judgement on their land and maritime boundaries.
This is a good example of regional cooperation improving security.
Third, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in the central Sahel, where an estimated 12.1 million people will require urgent assistance in 2026.
As reflected in the Secretary-General’s report, access challenges and bureaucratic impediments continue to undermine the timely and efficient delivery of life-saving assistance.
We urge all efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.
To conclude, the United Kingdom will continue to support the important work of UNOWAS and regional organisations to help build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel.”
In Conclusion
The UK’s statement to the Security Council set out a clear position opposing unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa. It combined condemnation of recent events with support for regional mediation, security cooperation, and humanitarian access.
By linking political disruption to wider instability, the UK reinforced the role of coordinated international action. The remarks also reiterated continued backing for UN and regional organisations working to restore constitutional order.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, and UK Government Speeches.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
