Niamey takes center stage in shaping the future of the UN’s Sahel operations. Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, Chair of Niger’s Advisory Council for Refoundation (CCR), engaged in high-level discussions with Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia, who is leading an independent strategic review of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The meeting reflects Niger’s commitment to asserting its strategic priorities in a region undergoing profound transformation.

The UNOWAS review comes at a critical juncture, as the organization faces pressure to adapt its mandate to the evolving security, political, humanitarian, and development challenges across the Sahel. Sahle-Work Zewde’s mission involves consulting regional stakeholders to gather insights on the bureau’s effectiveness and future direction.

Niger outlines its vision for regional stability and sovereignty

The CCR Chair presented the institution’s guiding principles, emphasizing its role in supporting Niger’s refoundation process. The Advisory Council’s mission, he noted, aligns with the nation’s broader goals of strengthening national sovereignty, fostering social cohesion, and advancing durable peace. These pillars, he argued, are indispensable for addressing the Sahel’s multifaceted challenges.

The discussions covered critical themes, including governance frameworks, regional stability, conflict prevention, and mechanisms for enhanced cooperation among West African and Sahelian states.

A strategic review to modernize UNOWAS operations

Sahle-Work Zewde’s visit is part of the Independent Strategic Review, an initiative aimed at reassessing UNOWAS’ effectiveness and proposing reforms to align its operations with the region’s rapidly changing realities. The review seeks to address escalating security threats, political transitions, humanitarian crises, and pressing development needs.

Following the meeting, the former Ethiopian leader commended Niger’s authorities for their openness and the depth of the exchanges. She confirmed that the insights gathered would directly inform the review’s findings and shape the future trajectory of UNOWAS in the region.

Strengthening diplomatic ties while upholding national sovereignty

The meeting underscores Niger’s determination to maintain constructive dialogue with international partners while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. For the CCR, collaboration with global organizations must always respect the country’s sovereignty and the decisions made by its elected leaders.

The session was also attended by Abdou Moustapha, General Rapporteur of the CCR. It represents another key milestone in the Independent Strategic Review’s consultations, with outcomes expected to influence how UNOWAS adapts to the region’s deep-seated transformations.