Spotlighting an upsurge in popular discontent in the region, manifested through often violent demonstrations calling for political and economic reforms, he said several countries of the region also continue to struggle with justice, national reconciliation and human rights challenges.

In that regard, he urged member states to provide an enabling environment for the exercise of freedoms of expression and assembly, which are critical to the consolidation of democracy and good governance, and noted that, in a positive development, Benin and Burkina Faso recently abolished the death penalty.

The region has continued on a positive trajectory since his last briefing, with local elections in Guinea, local and municipal elections in the Gambia, and presidential, legislative and local elections in Sierra Leone.

Noting that the continuing political crisis in Togo has already caused the suspension of parliamentary elections, he outlined ECOWAS mediation efforts to overcome the political impasse, warning that "democratic gains in the region are not immune to reversal."?

【国际英语资讯:UN urges support for humanitarian aid, revitalization of West Africa, Sahel】相关文章：

★ 太原家乐福店被指价格欺诈

★ 傅成玉：中石化盼与塔里斯曼能源扩大合作

★ 企业不必雇佣多面手

★ 《暮光4（下）》轻松登顶周末北美票房榜

★ 谷歌街景拍到有人街头生孩子 旁边医院毫不知情

★ 扩权法令引不满 埃及总统忙安抚

★ 欧洲年轻人就业前景不容乐观

★ 奥运金牌：快乐和忧愁天注定？

★ 卢卡斯告别星战传奇

★ 朝鲜的非法武器贸易