Mohamed Ibn Chambas reaffirms UN support to Burkina Faso and G5 Sahel countries
After Niger, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, arrived yesterday in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, for one day visit, marking the second leg of his tour in the G5 Sahel countries.
During this visit, Mr. Ibn Chambas exchanged views with the national authorities of Burkina Faso on the various issues related to peace and security in the region, as well as an update on United Nations support, in particular through the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) which was established following the merger of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel (OSES).
Mohamed Ibn Chambas met with the President of the Republic of Burkina Faso, Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, and the Minister of Economy, Finance and Development, Ms. Hadizatou Rosine Coulibaly. He also had a working session with the technical and financial partners.
During his meetings with national authorities, Mr. Ibn Chambas reiterated the support of the United Nations and its determination to speed up the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS).
"The establishment of UNOWAS is the expression of the will of the United Nations to redouble its efforts and strengthen its partnership with the G5 Sahel countries, including Burkina Faso," said Mr. Ibn Chambas.
He also called the technical and financial partners to increase their support to G5 Sahel countries, to enable them to face the security challenges, without neglecting the needs for development, necessary for peace and stability in the region.
President Kaboré reiterated the commitment of his country to continue its efforts to play a leading role in the region, particularly in terms of development, peace and security.
Mr. Ibn Chambas will next travel to N'Djamena, Chad's capital, for the third leg of his tour in the G5 Sahel countries.