THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL CONCLUDES HIS VISIT TO ABIDJAN, ENCOURAGES IVORIANS TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY OF LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN PEACE AND PRESERVE THE UNITY OF COTE D'IVOIRE

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 his visit to Abidjan.

The visit is part of the regular good offices activities of UNOWAS. It was also aimed at renewing UN support for the holding of parliamentary elections, scheduled for 6 March.

During his visit, the Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel held talks with the Minister of National Reconciliation, Kouadio Konan Bertin, and the President of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Kuibiert-Coulibaly Ibrahime.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas commended the commitment and continued efforts of the Ivorian authorities and political actors to work towards strengthening national reconciliation, the sole guarantor of the country's stability. He also stressed that the forthcoming inclusive and peaceful legislative elections will mark a major step in the consolidation of peace and democracy in Côte d'Ivoire. He encouraged all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to strengthen peace and preserve the unity of Côte d'Ivoire. 

###