UNOWAS Representative to Visit Sierra Leone for Peace and Security Initiatives

October 15, 2024

The Special Representative of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Simão, is set to visit Sierra Leone as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and security in the region. During the visit, Simão will co-chair the annual regional Open Day on Gender, Women, Youth, Peace, and Security alongside the Sierra Leonean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Kabba. This event will focus on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the critical role of women in peace and security efforts.

In addition, Simão will join the high-level follow-up mission involving ECOWAS, UNOWAS, the African Union, and the Commonwealth. This mission will monitor the progress of the National Unity Agreement signed in October 2023 between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All-People’s Congress Party.

The visit will also include discussions with President Julius Maada Bio, leaders of the political parties involved in the agreement, the leadership of the Mano River Union, the United Nations Country Team, and various diplomatic representatives. These meetings aim to assess and reinforce peace-building efforts in the country.