The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Alain Marcel de Souza, President of the Commission of the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of the partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS for peace, security, and development in West Africa. He commended ECOWAS for its contribution to the progress achieved in the Republic of The Gambia, as well as for its continued efforts towards addressing the situation in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

The two leaders discussed the persisting threat of terrorism in the Sahel and stressed the importance of international cooperation in combatting the phenomenon. The Secretary-General commended efforts being made towards the operationalisation of the G5 Sahel Joint Force, and reaffirmed the United Nation’s commitment to supporting the mobilisation of financial support for the Force.