Dakar, 16 August 2023 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded today a three-day visit to Liberia. This visit was part of his regional familiarization tour, following his appointment as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.

The Special Representative was received in audience by H.E. Georges Weah, President of Liberia, and had meetings with Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Frank Musah Dean, Minister of Justice, and members of the National Elections Commission. He also held discussions with Youth and Women organizations, members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the diplomatic corps, and the United Nations country team.

To all his interlocuters, Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations Country team to strengthen their partnership with Liberia, and to continue working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other members of the international community, to support Liberia’s path towards lasting democracy, peace, and prosperity.

During his visit, the Special Representative also participated in the stakeholder forum that took place on 15 August in preparation of the upcoming presidential elections to be held in October 2023. He commended all stakeholders, and called on the presidential candidates to uphold their commitment for the implementation of the Farmington River Declaration which paves the way for an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic process. He stressed the responsibility of all stakeholders to educate their supporters to the rules of good conduct demonstrating their responsible leadership. The Special Representative encouraged all actors to harness the positive force of Liberian women and called on Liberian youth to continue playing a positive role as agents of peace.