Source: United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) |

Mr. Ibn Chambas concludes his visit to Niger, “Our commitment is even stronger today. UNOWAS is committed to continue to support Niger and Sahel countries”

DAKAR, Senegal, May 27, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ --

As part of his tour in the Sahel region, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, ended his two-day visit to Niger.


The objective of this first leg of his visit to the G5 Sahel countries was to exchange views with the authorities of Niger on the situation in the Sahel region and to inform about the role of the new United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), established following the merger of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Office of the Special Envoy of the United Nations for the Sahel (OSES).


During his visit, Mr. Ibn Chambas met with the President of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou; the Minister of Defense Mr. Massoudou Hassoumi; the Ministre Déléguée to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. El back Adam Zeinabou and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Seydou Sidibé. Mr. Ibn Chambas also met with representatives of the diplomatic corps and officials of the United Nations system.


Mr. Ibn Chambas reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United Nations, especially that of UNOWAS to continue its support to Niger and the countries of the region.

"Our commitment is even stronger today. UNOWAS is committed to provide the necessary support to Niger and the countries of the Sahel region, "said Mr. Ibn Chambas.


Mr. Ibn Chambas also stressed the importance of coordination between the countries of the Sahel region to better cope with the challenges that the region is experiencing.


In this regard, he stressed the importance of maintaining the commitment of everyone to continue to implement effectively, the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel.


For his part, the President of Niger expressed appreciation for the support provided by the United Nations, particularly in the last Presidential elections. He said that Niger as a member of G5 Sahel will continue to play an important role in promoting peace and stability in the region.


Mr. Ibn Chambas will travel tomorrow to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA).