As part of the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2349 (2017), the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Central and for Africa for West Africa and the Sahel, François Louncény FALL and Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF, will undertake from 18 to 22 October 2021, a joint high-level mission to Cameroon and Chad.

This mission is the first leg on a tour of the Lake Chad Basin countries affected by Boko Haram. It will assess the situation in the region and examine how the United Nations and its international partners could better support national efforts and subregional mechanisms in response to the persistent security, humanitarian impact and human rights challenges caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

During their mission to Cameroon and Chad, Mr. FALL and Mr. ANNADIF will meet with governmental and military authorities, United Nations country teams, as well as humanitarian and development partners, including representatives of non-governmental organizations. They will also visit internal displaced people and refugees’ camps.

As a reminder, the Resolution 2349 focuses on the Boko Haram terrorist threat in the Lake Chad Basin. The resolution reiterates the primary responsibility of Member States to protect civilian populations on their territories. It also encourages the countries of the region “to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to allow safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access, and to facilitate the restoration of civilian security and the rule of law in areas under The Control of the Government, and to guarantee the free movement of goods and persons”. It also invites them to strengthen cooperation with United Nations agencies.

After Cameroon and Chad, the Heads of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) will visit Nigeria and Niger.