The objective of the meeting was to review progress in the implementation of the respective UN mandates in the region, to strengthen coordination in order to address common challenges in the areas of elections, security, organized crime and violent extremism, and to examine the prospects for democratic transitions in the West Africa region.

In their final communiqué, the heads of peace missions noted the continuing need to address root causes of exclusion and deprivation which contribute to the rise of violent extremism.

They expressed concern about the absence of a climate of lasting stability in Guinea-Bissau despite the high expectations that followed the restoration of constitutional order, and urged political and institutional stakeholders to engage in dialogue in order to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the country’s development programme.

The heads of peace missions welcomed the peaceful and transparent electoral processes in Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea, and expressed the hope that the upcoming elections in Niger, Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana and the Gambia will consolidate democratic processes in these countries. In addition, participants noted the need for inclusive dialogue in several countries in the region.

They strongly condemned recurring terrorist attacks in the region, in particular in Mali and around the Lake Chad Basin area. They deplored the humanitarian consequences of the attacks, and welcomed the increased collaboration of regional and international actors to effectively address the security, humanitarian and development challenges of these crises.

In attendance were the Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General and Heads of UN Missions in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), Ms. Aïchatou Mindaoudou; in Liberia (UNMIL), Mr. Farid Zarif; in Mali (MINUSMA), Mr. Mongi Hamdi; in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), Mr. Miguel Trovoada; in West Africa (UNOWA), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

UNIOGBIS/PIU