Niger reaffirms sovereignty in UNOWAS strategic review talks

The Nigerien government has taken a proactive stance in shaping the future of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). In Niamey, Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, Chair of the Advisory Council for Refoundation (CCR), held a pivotal meeting with Dr. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia and head of the Independent Strategic Review (ISR) mission for UNOWAS. This high-level dialogue comes amid shifting dynamics between Sahelian nations and international institutions.

As part of her regional assessment, Dr. Zewde is engaging with key stakeholders across West Africa and the Sahel to gather insights on UNOWAS’s current operations, mandate, and adaptation to an evolving regional landscape marked by security crises, political transitions, humanitarian challenges, and development gaps.

Niger outlines its vision for refoundation and national sovereignty

During the meeting, Dr. Djingarey presented the CCR’s guiding principles, an institution established to support Niger’s ongoing refoundation process. He emphasized the Council’s commitment to strengthening national sovereignty, fostering social cohesion, and promoting lasting peace—key pillars in addressing the Sahel’s interconnected challenges.

The discussions also addressed critical issues such as governance, regional stability, conflict prevention, and cooperation mechanisms among West African and Sahelian states.

Independent review aims to realign UNOWAS with regional realities

Dr. Zewde’s visit is part of the Independent Strategic Review, a comprehensive evaluation of UNOWAS’s effectiveness and proposed adjustments to its mission. The United Nations seeks to recalibrate its engagement in response to escalating security threats, political transitions, humanitarian needs, and developmental demands across the region.

Following the exchange, Dr. Zewde praised Niger’s leadership and the depth of the dialogue, noting that insights from national institutions will shape the review’s findings and inform the future of UNOWAS.

Strengthening international partnerships on sovereign terms

This meeting underscores Niger’s commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue with international partners while upholding the principles of national sovereignty. For the CCR, collaboration with global organizations is viable only when aligned with Niger’s strategic choices and institutional priorities.

The session was attended by Abdou Moustapha, General Rapporteur of the CCR, marking another milestone in the Independent Strategic Review’s consultations. The mission’s final recommendations are expected to redefine UNOWAS’s role in addressing the region’s profound transformations.