The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat ANNADIF, today concluded a two-day visit to Côte d'Ivoire.

This visit is part of his familiarization tour with the authorities in the sub region, in his new capacity as of Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel.

During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by His Excellency, the President of Cote d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara.

They discussed about the national and regional situation, especially on the actions to be implemented to better support the Ivory Coast in its efforts to consolidate peace, democracy, and development.

On the security situation, the Special Representative condemned the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated in Côte d’Ivoire and renewed the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and the people of Côte d'Ivoire. "We are determined to strengthen our engagement with our various partners to better help the countries of the sub-region, such as Côte d'Ivoire, to fight terrorism, and to consolidate peace and stability," said Mr. ANNADIF.

The Special Representative also commended the continued mobilization of the Government, as well as other Ivorian actors, to strengthen national reconciliation, vital for peace and development in Côte d'Ivoire.

“Côte d’Ivoire is a major country in the sub-region. I encourage all Ivorians to persevere in their efforts towards national reconciliation, peace and prosperity in Côte d'Ivoire,” he said.

The Special Representative also had meetings with the ambassadors of the P5, the African Union, as well as the United Nations country team.