Dakar, 28 April 2022 – 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.

During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by Mr. Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President of the Republic. He also met with the Prime Minister, Mr. Patrick Achi, Mr. Adama Toungara, the Ombudsman, and Mr. Kouadio Konan Bertin, Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion.

M. ANNADIF welcomed the closure of the political dialogue last March and the establishment of an inter-community dialogue process in Côte d'Ivoire, with the participation of administrative authorities, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women's groups. He took the opportunity of his visit to announce the launch, in May, of the project for the strengthening of social cohesion in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Special Representative ANNADIF stressed the leading role that Côte d'Ivoire plays in the subregion, particularly within ECOWAS.

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

Mr. ANNADIF also renewed the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Côte d'Ivoire. "We are determined to strengthen our commitment to support efforts towards fostering national reconciliation, preventing conflicts and consolidating democratic gains in Côte d'Ivoire," said Mr. ANNADIF.