The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded a working visit to Togo on Saturday, 18 April 2026, as part of UNOWAS’ continued engagement to support countries in the subregion in their efforts to consolidate peace and security.
During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council, and held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad, Robert Dussey.
Discussions focused on regional priorities in peace and security, as well as on strengthening the partnership between Togo and the United Nations.
The Special Representative also travelled to Dapaong to inaugurate the United Nations Common Office in the Savanes region, alongside the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Calixte Batossie Madjoulba. He commended the efforts of the Togolese Government in adopting an inclusive approach to addressing security and humanitarian challenges in the Savanes region, which has contributed to relative stability.
On 18 April in Lomé, Mr. Simão participated in the high-level conference on Togo’s new Sahel Strategy (2026–2028). He welcomed this initiative, which contributes to positioning Lomé as a platform for dialogue and the promotion of multifaceted cooperation between the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, in support of peace and stability in West Africa.
In his remarks, he emphasized that evolving geopolitical and security dynamics in West Africa and the Sahel require coordinated, inclusive, and multidimensional responses. He underscored that regional cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and strengthening community resilience are essential pillars for sustainable stability.
The Special Representative reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Togo and countries in the region in their efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
