STATEMENT BY
MS. SONIA UMU KARIM
MINISTER COUNSELLOR/DEPUTY POLITICAL COORDINATOR
Mr. President.
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, for his briefing.
The Security Council bears the solemn responsibility to address all dimensions of threats to international peace and security, including those arising from the deliberate destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines represents such a case and is unequivocally contrary to international law. Sierra Leone therefore reiterates its call for the protection of civilian infrastructure, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law.
We recall, in this regard, Security Council resolution 2573 (2021), which condemns the destruction of civilian infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, and resolution 2341 (2017), which highlights the need to protect critical infrastructure from saboteurs and terrorist acts.
Nearly three years since the Nord Stream explosions, an independent and conclusive determination has not been reached. We note that the investigations conducted by Denmark and Sweden established that the incident was an act of deliberate sabotage, though without identifying the perpetrators. More recently, there has been a significant breakthrough as German authorities, in cooperation with other States, have arrested a suspect in connection with the attacks. This marks the first arrest of its kind in this case, and we commend the efforts of the national authorities concerned.
Sierra Leone supports the timely completion of the ongoing investigations in Germany and elsewhere. These processes must remain independent, impartial, and transparent. Establishing the full facts through credible and verifiable inquiry will help dispel allegations and provide a firm basis for accountability. We call on all involved parties to exercise restraint and be supportive of the investigations.
In line with its mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council must see to addressing this matter comprehensively, considering its legal, security, and environmental dimensions. The Council has rightly encouraged and supported national investigations, and we believe it may continue to remain seized of the matter to ensure that international peace and security is safeguarded.
As facts emerge, accountability and due process must remain paramount. Any response to such acts should be firmly anchored in established legal procedures, ensuring respect for the rights of suspects and the integrity of judicial processes. Those responsible, once identified, must be held fully accountable through fair and impartial proceedings. The rule of law must prevail at every stage, from investigation to prosecution, so that justice is not only done, but is seen to be done in the circumstances.
In closing, Mr. President, Sierra Leone reaffirms its unwavering respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, and underscores the imperative of protecting civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, from harm. We commend the cooperation demonstrated thus far among the States concerned and encourage continued collaboration and information-sharing within the framework of international law.
At the same time, the Security Council must remain united and proactive. This Council was established to respond to threats to international peace and security, and we must live up to that mandate by ensuring that incidents such as the Nord Stream sabotage are fully investigated. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are our strongest tools for addressing grievances and sustaining international peace, and it is essential that we uphold these principles even as we navigate complex geopolitical realities.
I thank you.
