Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio called for global cooperation to address the threats of terrorism in the Sahel region, speaking in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday.
Stretching 5,000 kilometers from Africa's Atlantic coast to the Red Sea, the Sahel is a vibrant region below the Sahara Desert that includes nations bordering Lake Chad -- Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria -- as well as Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal.
Among the 10 countries most severely affected by terrorism, five are in the Sahel region. Terrorism deaths in the region account for more than half of the global total, according to the data from peace advocacy organization Vision of Humanity.
"By geography, we are bound together with the AES (Alliance of Sahel States), and also call it the Sahel region. We are in the same continent, and whatever befalls them is likely to befall us. They are under the grip of, the threat of terrorism, who have created a lot of chaos, who continue to put pressure on the state apparatus. And they are not only threatening to security, but also threatening to dismantle the states in this area," said Bio.
"It is incumbent on us, as the international community or the world. But first, we, the neighbors, to make sure that we do not let that before them. It is beyond the scope of those countries and us, also as neighbors, to handle that. And we are asking for a global coalition, and through the United Nations Security Council, which should deal with the threat of international proportion," the Sierra Leonean said.
The AES, grouping Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, was established in September 2023. On July 6, 2024, the three countries announced the creation of the Confederation of the AES, marking a major step toward establishing an economic-military bloc.
Sierra Leonean president calls for global cooperation to confront terrorism in Sahel region
As the five-day May Day Holiday continues, the ongoing Shanghai International Flower Show is taking place not only in botanical gardens but also in major shopping centers and commercial districts across the city, enhancing the experiences of shoppers and visitors and fostering emotional resonance.
In Pudong, eight shopping malls have joined forces to create a "flower district," with artful floral installations displayed along sidewalks and storefronts. The flowers have been carefully integrated with individual shops and urban spaces, creating immersive designs tailored for each location.
"We designed nearly 40 floral displays, each themed to match the brands involved. For example, this Thai restaurant features Southeast Asian plants to highlight its identity," said Ye Zhenjing, deputy general manager of Shanghai Lujiazui Commercial Management Co., Ltd.
All around, playful flower sculptures have become selfie hotspots for shoppers of all ages, encouraging exploration.
"Adults need to relieve stress and rediscover childhood happiness, too. This year, our theme is animals. So both kids and grown-ups can share in the joy," said Ye.
"It definitely lifts your mood and makes visiting more fun. If this kind of event is happening, I'm more likely to come to malls like this," said a Shanghai shopper surnamed Zhou.
These vibrant displays are not limited to Pudong. For the first time, the Shanghai International Flower Show has expanded beyond botanical gardens to all 16 districts. In Huangpu, traditional shop windows have been transformed into urban flower showcases, while in Jing'an, a five-meter-tall floral puppy installation is trending on social media, drawing visitors and their pets for photos.
"In the past, professional flower shows were only in parks, but now they are in commercial districts. With the arrival of spring, shopping among the flowers is even more delightful," said Liu Min, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
This year's Labor Day holiday runs for five consecutive days, from May 1 to May 5.
Shanghai Int'l Flower Show uplifts city shopping experience during Labor Day holiday
