DESPITE PROGRESS IN CONSOLIDATING PEACE, WEST AFRICA NOW CONFRONTS 'NEW WAVE OF CHALLENGES'

New York, 11 July 2012 - Despite significant progress in consolidation of peace in West Africa, recent seizures of power, armed insurrection, piracy, terrorist threats and increased illicit drug traffic meant that the security situation was “precarious and reversible” and continued international assistance was critical in support of regional efforts, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative told the Security Council this afternoon.