United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, mandated to maintain international peace and security under Articles 24–26 of the UN Charter. The Council has the authority to investigate disputes, recommend peaceful solutions, impose sanctions, and authorize peacekeeping or enforcement action when necessary. 

The UNSC plays a critical role in addressing international terrorism and regional conflicts, particularly when these threats extend beyond national borders. Through mechanisms such as sanctions regimes, peacekeeping missions, and diplomatic negotiations, the Council aims to stabilize conflict zones and prevent further escalation. 

In recent years, the Sahel region has become a central focus of global security discussions. The rise of violent extremist organizations has contributed to political instability, humanitarian crises, and economic disruption across multiple countries. As a result, the Security Council must evaluate strategies that balance counterterrorism efforts with the protection of civilians and adherence to international law. 

Delegates participating in this committee must consider both immediate security responses and long-term solutions aimed at sustainable peace and stability.

1.JNIM 

2. Burkina Faso 

3. ISGS 

4. India 

5. Libya 

6. Mali 

7. Niger 

8. Nigeria 

9. Chad 

10. Morocoo 

11. China 

12. US 

13. Russia 

14. UK 

15. France

Early Security Challenges in the Sahel (2000–2011) 

The Sahel region has long experienced political instability, economic inequality, and governance challenges. These structural issues created conditions that allowed extremist groups and criminal networks to establish influence in remote areas. 

During the early 2000s, militant organizations began operating across desert regions where state presence was limited. These groups often collaborated with smuggling networks involved in illicit trade. 

The collapse of Libya in 2011 significantly impacted regional security. Large quantities of weapons spread throughout the Sahel, strengthening armed insurgent groups and intensifying instability. 

Northern Mali Crisis and International Response (2012–2015) 

2012 marked a turning point in the region’s security landscape. Armed extremist groups seized control of northern Mali, establishing territorial dominance and challenging state authority. 

2013 saw the launch of international military interventions designed to restore stability and support national governments in combating extremist movements. 

During this period, the United Nations expanded peacekeeping and security support to address the rapidly deteriorating situation.

Expansion of Extremist Violence (2016–2020) 

Between 2016 and 2020, extremist violence expanded significantly into Burkina Faso and Niger. Attacks increasingly targeted civilians, local leaders, and humanitarian organizations. 

The emergence of organized coalitions such as JNIM and ISGS further complicated the security environment, as these groups developed stronger networks and cross-border operational capabilities. 

At the same time, political instability and governance challenges weakened coordinated regional responses. 

Intensification of the Crisis (2021–Present) 

In recent years, the Sahel has witnessed escalating violence and growing humanitarian concerns. Armed groups have expanded into new territories, while millions of civilians have been displaced. 

International actors have continued to debate effective approaches to counterterrorism, including sanctions, regional military cooperation, and development assistance. 

The evolving nature of the crisis has made the Sahel one of the most pressing security concerns on the international agenda.

The Sahel region is currently facing one of the most severe and complex crises in the world, characterized by escalating insecurity, political instability, and a deepening humanitarian emergency. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have become epicenters of extremist violence, with groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS carrying out frequent attacks and expanding their territorial influence. This insecurity has been compounded by a series of military coups, weakening governance and reducing international cooperation, particularly following the withdrawal of Western forces. 

As a result, violence has intensified and begun spreading toward coastal West African states. At the same time, millions of people are displaced, and widespread food insecurity enacted by climate change, drought, and economic decline continues to worsen living conditions. Altogether, the Sahel represents a critical challenge to regional and international peace and security, requiring urgent and coordinated global action. 

The current situation in the Sahel region remains highly volatile and complex. Violent extremist organizations continue to operate across several countries, exploiting governance gaps and socioeconomic challenges. 

Three key dimensions define the present crisis. 

Regional Security and International Law 

Conflicts in the Sahel are largely categorized as non-international armed conflicts. As a result, both state and non-state actors are bound by International Humanitarian Law.

The United Nations has implemented sanctions targeting extremist organizations, including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes. However, enforcing these measures remains difficult due to the vast geography of the region and limited monitoring capabilities. 

Accountability for human rights violations committed during counterterrorism operations also remains a major concern. 

Cross-Border Terrorism and Regional Stability 

Extremist groups in the Sahel frequently operate across national borders. This mobility allows them to evade military operations and maintain influence in remote areas. 

Transnational criminal networks provide financial and logistical support to these groups through illegal activities such as trafficking and smuggling. 

Regional cooperation initiatives have attempted to address these challenges, but limited resources and political instability continue to hinder progress. 

Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Protection 

The humanitarian situation has worsened dramatically as violence has increased. Millions of people have been displaced, and many communities lack access to basic services. 

Humanitarian organizations face serious challenges in reaching affected populations due to insecurity and restricted access to certain areas. 

Children and vulnerable populations are particularly at risk, as extremist groups increasingly recruit minors and exploit fragile communities. 

Addressing humanitarian needs alongside security measures remains essential for long-term stability in the region.

Delegates should aim to further independently research any unknown terms or facts not fully discussed within this handbook in order to effectively engage in committee sessions. 

1. How can the Security Council strengthen enforcement of international humanitarian law in counterterrorism operations? 2. What sanctions mechanisms could better disrupt extremist financing networks? 

3. How can regional security cooperation prevent the spread of extremist groups across borders? 

4. What role should international peacekeeping missions play in stabilizing the Sahel region? 

5. How can humanitarian organizations safely deliver aid in conflict-affected areas? 

6. What measures can prevent the recruitment of children by armed groups? 

7. How should the Security Council balance military responses with long-term development initiatives? 

8. What accountability mechanisms should address violations committed by state and non-state actors? 

9. How can border security policies protect civilians while maintaining regional trade and mobility? 

10. What partnerships are necessary to ensure a unified international response to violent extremism in the Sahel?

1. United Nations Development Programme – Journey to Extremism in Africa (2017 Report) 

https://www.undp.org/africa/publications/journey-extremism-africa 2. United Nations Digital Library – Journey to Extremism in Africa (Full UN Report Record) 

https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4010001 

3. United Nations Development Programme – Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in Africa: A Development Approach 

https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/44365 

4. United Nations Secretary-General Statement to the Security Council – Enhancing Regional Counter-Terrorism Cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel 

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2025-11-18/secretar y-generals-remarks-the-security-council-enhancing-regional-counter -terrorism-cooperation-west-africa-and-the-sahel 

5. United Nations Digital Library – Journey to Extremism in Africa: UN Publication Record 

https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4015761 

6. Academic Research – Wars Without Beginning or End: Violent Political Organizations and Irregular Warfare in the Sahel-Sahara https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.02705 

7. Academic Research – Detecting the Sensitive Spots of the African Interurban Transport Network 

https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.06402 

8. International Crisis Group – The Central Sahel: Scene of New Climate Wars? 

https://www.crisisgroup.org/brf/africa/sahel/b154-central-sahel-scen e-new-climate-wars 

9. International Crisis Group – Finding the Right Role for the G5 Sahel Joint Force

https://www.crisisgroup.org/rpt/africa/burkina-faso/258-finding-right -role-g5-sahel-joint-force 

10. Council on Foreign Relations – Violence in the Sahel https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violent-extremis m-sahel 

11. Brookings Institution – The Spread of Violent Extremism in the Sahel 

https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022_Confl icts-in-Sahel_Case-of-Mali.pdf 

12. United Nations Security Council Report – UN Documents on Terrorism and Sanctions 

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/counter-terroris m/ 

13. African Union – Sahel Regional Strategy Report https://www.aupaps.org/en/article/the-african-union-strategy-for-the sahel-region 

14. UNICEF – Children and Armed Conflict Global Report https://www.unicef.org/reporting-children-armed-conflict