Dakar, March 29, 2024 - As part of his continuing good offices engagement , the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, today concluded a four-day working visit to Niger.

During his visit, the Special Representative met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, H.E. Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré; the Minister of State, Minister of the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration, Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba. He also met with the diplomatic corps, the United Nations country team and representatives of civil society.

The various meetings provided an opportunity to take stock of the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country, and the need to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and Niger to consolidate peace, security and development.

The Special Representative stressed the importance of dialogue with all national, regional, and international actors. He praised the efforts of the transitional authorities in their fight against terrorism and expressed his solidarity with the people of Niger.

The Special Representative reaffirmed the UN's readiness to support the transitional authorities and the people of Niger in their quest for lasting peace.