The Sahel region in Africa risks becoming a hub for mass migration or recruitment by extremist groups without sustained international engagement, the Security Council heard on Wednesday.

UN envoy Hiroute Guebre Sellassie told the 15-member body that security is the main concern for the region, whose countries are among the poorest in the world.

In addition to the threats posed by terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, Sahel countries are also combating drug trafficking, desertification and lack of opportunities for their young people.

Dianne Penn reports.

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