Niger hosts un strategic review of Sahel security efforts

Niamey has launched a pivotal diplomatic consultation initiated by the United Nations. In welcoming the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Sahle-Work Zewde, on Monday, Niger’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, positioned the country at the heart of a mission aimed at reshaping the mandate of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). This comprehensive tour will take the former Ethiopian president through member states of both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Niamey leads UNOWAS mandate review mission

The Niger capital is the first stop in a high-level assessment of the UNOWAS mandate, a task entrusted to Sahle-Work Zewde by the UN Security Council. During her meeting with the Nigerien head of state, the former Ethiopian president outlined the scope of an exercise designed to assess the effectiveness of this regional office amid shifting political and security landscapes across West Africa.

The review aims to evaluate how UNOWAS delivers on its core missions: conflict prevention, mediation, good offices, and collaboration with regional governments.

Regional consultations to shape UNOWAS future

Beyond talks with Nigerien officials, the mission will engage governments, political parties, and civil society organizations across the region. Their input will feed into a comprehensive report to be presented to the UN Security Council, potentially guiding revisions to UNOWAS priorities and operations in a region grappling with enduring security, political, and humanitarian challenges.

Decades-long ties with Niger underscore mission significance

During her audience with President Abdourahamane Tiani, Sahle-Work Zewde reflected on her long-standing relationship with Niger, tracing back over three decades to her participation in an African Union electoral observation mission in 1993. She highlighted the progress witnessed since then while emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue between the UN and regional governments.

Niger reaffirms commitment to UNOWAS review process

Following the meeting, President Tiani acknowledged the mission’s goals and pledged Niger’s full cooperation in the UNOWAS mandate review. The session included senior officials such as members of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the president’s chief of staff and government spokesperson Dr. Soumana Boubacar, and the presidential advisor on strategic and diplomatic affairs.

A turning point for UN engagement in the Sahel

With West Africa undergoing sweeping geopolitical changes, the UN is prioritizing inclusivity. By launching this strategic review in Niamey, the international body signals that the future of UNOWAS will hinge on attentive engagement with all stakeholders, from ECOWAS to the AES. The delicate process of diplomatic recalibration is now underway.