The African Union Welcomes UN Resolution on G5 Force The Chairperson reiterated the importance of the FC-G5S to address the persistent threats of violent extremism and transnational organized crimes ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 23, 2017/APO/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomes the United Nations Security Council’s authorization for the deployment of a Joint Force for the Group of Five for the Sahel States (FC-G5S). The Chairperson commends the UN support which echoes the African Union’s Peace and Security Council communique of 13 April 2017. The Chairperson reiterated the importance of the FC-G5S to address the persistent threats of violent extremism and transnational organized crimes including arms, drugs and human trafficking with the aim of protecting civilians and promoting peace, security and stability in the region. In this regard, he once again commends the resolve and sustained efforts by governments of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger to guarantee the security of lives and properties of its citizens. The Chairperson reaffirms the AU’s commitment to work with governments of the FC-G5S countries and the international community for the immediate deployment and implementation of the FC-G5S in accordance with international law including international humanitarian, human rights and refugee laws respectively. He appeals to Member States to contribute troops and resources to the mission and encourages adherence to the AU Strategy for the Sahel on the promotion of regional security cooperation through information exchange, border security and confidence-building measures between countries in the region to consolidate the gains made against the insurgency. The Chairperson highlights the importance of the international community’s unequivocal support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He commends the international community for continued support in the fight against violent extremism and expresses appreciation to the European Union for its financial and technical pledge in support of the FC-G5S. Distributed by APO on behalf of African Union Peace and Security Department.