The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, concluded today a four-day visit to the Republic of Niger.

The visit is part of the United Nations' support for peaceful, inclusive and transparent presidential and legislative elections in Niger. It aims, inter alia, to encourage authorities, political actors, as well as civil society organizations to favor dialogue and consensus to resolve any dispute, and to consolidate peace and democracy in Niger.

During this mission, Mohamed Ibn Chambas was received in audience by the President of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. He also met with members of the government, the President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), political actors, civil society organizations, the Humanitarian Community, development partners and the United Nations country team.

Discussions focused on various issues related to the preparation and organization of the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country and in the sub-region, the impacts of the floods, as well as the support of the United Nations and the international community to Niger.

In a socio-political context marked by the persistence of the threat of terrorism, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods, it is necessary for all stakeholders to uphold their commitment to the organization of peaceful, human rights and law-abiding election in Niger

During his exchanges, the Special Representative congratulated all stakeholders for their efforts to ensure that elections are organized in a calm atmosphere. He also stressed the importance of their role in consolidating unity, peace and the rejection of any violence or incendiary language based on ethnic or community basis. "In a socio-political context marked by the persistence of the threat of terrorism, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods, it is necessary for all stakeholders to uphold their commitment to the organization of peaceful, human rights and law-abiding election in Niger," he said.

The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Niger to strengthen democracy and peace and become a model for the countries of the sub-region. "I call on the authorities of Niger, political actors, and civil society organizations to redouble their efforts to ensure peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections."

"Dialogue to overcome differences, and act together in the interest of Niger and Nigeriens, is the only approach that will consolidate peace, democracy and prosperity in Niger," said Mohamed Ibn Chambas before leaving the capital, Niamey, while reaffirming the United Nations’ support to the government and people of Niger towards peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections that will contribute to the consolidation of peace and democracy in Niger and the sub-region.