UNOWAS MANDATE RENEWAL TAKES CENTER STAGE AT UN: ECOWAS MOVES TO CONSOLIDATE WEST AFRICA–SAHEL STABILITY.
By Raymond Enoch
High-level diplomatic engagement intensified at the United Nations as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), H.E. Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, met with the ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, and the Chair of the ECOWAS Group at the UN.
The Chair was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the UN, Mr. Kalilu Totangi.
At the heart of the strategic discussions was the renewal of the UNOWAS mandate, which expired on 31 January 2026 and is currently under active consideration by the United Nations Security Council.
The meeting underscored the critical importance of sustained collaboration between the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at a time when the West Africa and Sahel region continues to navigate complex political transitions, security challenges, and humanitarian pressures.
Diplomatic sources indicate that both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventive diplomacy, regional stability, democratic governance, and coordinated responses to emerging threats across the sub-region.
The engagement also reflected a strong alignment between UNOWAS and ECOWAS in advancing peacebuilding initiatives and supporting Member States through dialogue and institutional strengthening.
UNOWAS has remained a pivotal political mission in the region, facilitating mediation efforts, supporting electoral processes, and strengthening partnerships aimed at conflict prevention. Its mandate renewal is widely regarded as a significant step in reinforcing international backing for West Africa and the Sahel during a delicate period of political and security recalibration.
Observers note that the outcome of the Security Council’s deliberations will shape the next phase of multilateral engagement in the region, particularly in addressing cross-border security dynamics and deepening cooperation with regional institutions.
Friday’s meeting signals a unified diplomatic front, as ECOWAS and UN leadership work closely to ensure that the region continues on a path toward stability, resilience, and sustainable peace.
As the Security Council weighs its decision, the message from West Africa’s diplomatic corps is clear: coordinated international partnership remains indispensable to safeguarding the gains of peace and strengthening the foundations of regional integration.
