Dakar, 18 November 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, participated on Thursday, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in the ceremony held to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

On the sidelines of the celebrations, the Special Representative was received in audience by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. He also met with the President of the People's Assembly, Domingos Simões Pereira.

Discussions focused on ongoing support by the United Nations and partners to reinforce national stakeholder efforts at post-electoral stabilization and socio-economic development. M. Simão commended both the President and the Speaker for their commitment to foster constructive dialogue, peaceful cohabitation, good governance, and the implementation of vital state reforms.

The Special Representative reiterated the UN family and UNOWAS in particular, their commitment to stand with Guinee-Bissau to consolidate peace, democracy, and development, leading to better living standards of the people.