Dakar, 20 March 2024 - 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 two-day working visit to the Russian Federation.

In Moscow, the Special Representative was received in audience by Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation with whom he discussed a range of issues pertaining to peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel and the need for the international community to act together in support of the countries of the subregion in their efforts to address the multiple challenges they are facing, especially terrorism and humanitarian needs.

The Special Representative thanked the authorities of the Russian Federation for their continued commitment in support of the United Nations and called for enhanced cooperation to help countries of the subregion consolidate peace, security, and development.

The Special Representative also met with the Group of African Ambassadors. Their discussion covered various subjects, including the impact of instability and insecurity on the humanitarian situation, and the necessity of strengthening good governance and development.