On 27 February 2023, DSRSG BIHA concluded a week-long mission to Nigeria. Mrs. BIHA witnessed the Signing of the Second National Peace Accord for peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria. Prior to the general elections which took place on 25 February 2023, she called on all candidates and their supporters to resolve disputes that may arise from the electoral process through peaceful and legal means. During her visit, the DSRSG met with, the Chair of the National Peace Committee, INEC officals, members of the Civil society, Mr. Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as the EU, US and Commowealth Election Observation Missions. Before leaving Abuja, the DSRSG reaffirmed the United Nations support to the people of Nigeria in their efforts to reinforce peace, democracy and development.
The Deputy Special Representative BIHA took part in a high-level delegation alongside the Chair of the Peacebuilding Guinea-Bissau Configuration, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho and the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar between the 14-15 February. During this visit, the delegation consulted with national stakeholders and explored opportunities for political dialogue and consensus ahead of the planned legislative elections on 4 June 2023.
The delegation met with Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister, and several other senior government officials, as well as political parties, key international development partners and members of the United Nations System.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
