Dakar, 26 June 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 a two-day visit to Niger. The visit was part of his regional familiarization tour following his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.

During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by the President of the Republic of Niger, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum. He held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Massoudou Hassoumi. He also met with the UN country team and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

The Special Representative praised the quality of the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Niger and reiterated the continuous support of the United Nations to Niger in achieving its objectives of consolidated stability and peace as well as enhanced development.

The Special Representative Simão also held discussions with the former President of the Republic of Niger, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou. They exchanged views on various topics on the regional situation, including the joint United Nations - African Union strategic assessment of security and development in the Sahel, which he is leading.