The Security Council today called for a coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure a solution to the problems facing the Sahel region, which include an ongoing humanitarian crisis, lack of socio-economic development, insecurity and the threat of terrorism.

In a press statement issued this afternoon, the Council members underlined the need for a solution that encompasses security, development and humanitarian issues.

The remarks follow a briefing last week by Under Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe on the impact of the Libyan crisis in the region. In his briefing, Mr. Pascoe stressed that most of the challenges in the region pre-dated the Libyan conflict.

The Council expressed its support for a collaborative approach that consists of cooperation among the Sahel and Maghreb States, the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), the United Nations system, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Security Council also expressed its interest in following up with efforts to address the situation with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and stated that they would continue to monitor developments in the region.