The Western Africa Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations hosted a consultative session in New York on April 2, 2025. The meeting brought together Permanent Representatives of West African countries at the United Nations and Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
This session took place ahead of Mr. Simão's briefing to the Security Council, held on April 3, 2025, where he presented the UN Secretary-General’s report on peace consolidation in West Africa and the activities of UNOWAS. The report addressed evolving challenges affecting regional security and unity in West Africa and emphasized the essential role of regional leaders and stakeholders in preserving the achievements made over decades. It called for these efforts to continue within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The report also identified regional security cooperation as a priority. It recommended ongoing support for important initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin, the Accra Initiative, and the ECOWAS Standby Force, highlighting their significance in combating terrorism and organized crime in the region.
During the consultative session, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, discussed ECOWAS’ initiatives and ongoing collaboration with UNOWAS. She emphasized the Commission’s consistent efforts to enhance integration aimed at sustainable development, peace, and stability in West Africa.
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