Dakar, 3 April 2025 – 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 presented to the United Nations Security Council the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of UNOWAS, stressing the importance of continued regional cooperation.

Addressing the members of the Security Council, Mr. Simão said that security remains a major concern in the region. While significant military investments and cross-border cooperation by member States of the Alliance of Sahel States have helped restore state authority in parts of the central Sahel, the Special Representative warned that “these gains remain fragile” due to the intensification of terrorist attacks, mainly in the coastal states of Benin and Togo. However, with the ECOWAS standby force still not fully operational, Mr. Simão welcomed that “the restructuring of the Accra Initiative provides a unique opportunity to continue regional security cooperation,” adding that the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719 could significantly strengthen counterterrorism efforts.

The Special Representative referred to important developments in the region, including the national conference in Niger, the national consultation in Burkina Faso and the ongoing dialogue between the Government of Mauritania and the opposition parties. “These important advances are essential in the face of current challenges. Supporting dialogue is key to addressing root causes, promoting social cohesion and fostering inclusive decision-making,” he stressed.

Mr. Simão welcomed Ghana's diplomatic commitment to enhanced cooperation in the sub-region, particularly between the Sahel Alliance States and ECOWAS. “Both sides seek to preserve the benefits of regional integration, including freedom of movement,” he said. Noting these "encouraging developments", he highlighted the role played by ECOWAS as a "key model of political and economic integration" as it celebrates, this year, its 50^th anniversary.

On the political front, Mr. Simão highlighted the democratic progress made in the region. Nevertheless, "several urgent issues require our immediate attention, “the Special Representative warned, stressing "concerns about the inclusiveness of the upcoming presidential elections in Côte d'Ivoire.” He also expressed concern about the “deep disagreements in Guinea-Bissau that threaten the peaceful transition process”.

Mr. Simão also highlighted the progress made in women's political participation, although the implementation of national action plans remains slow in some countries.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, the Special Representative indicated that “the two countries are working together to resolve the remaining points of disagreement while developing a comprehensive development program for border communities, supported by the UN.” He reiterated his call to the members of the Security Council to support this exemplary achievement in favor of peace.