Dakar, 16 June 2023 - Following his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, today began his familiarization tour of countries in the sub-region to meet with national authorities and UNOWAS partners.

During his first visit to Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Simão was received in audience by His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and current Chairman of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Mr. Simão also met with vice Prime Minister Mr. Soares Sambu.

The Special Representative reaffirmed the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations to a strengthened partnership to further consolidate stability, peace and development in Guinea-Bissau. He praised the successful conduct of the legislative elections, which testified to Guinea-Bissau's commitment to democracy, peace and development. He encouraged all actors to pursue dialogue in the interest of the people of Guinea-Bissau.

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel also met with the diplomatic corps and the UN country team. He encouraged them to redouble their efforts to further support the Bissau-Guinean people in achieving their goals of peace and prosperity.