International conference on hybrid safety governance in Africa, 21 to 22 July 2017 in Accra, Ghana.
UNOWAS promotes United Nations sustaining peace approach
An international conference on hybrid safety governance in Africa was held from 21 to 22 July 2017 in Accra, capital of Ghana. Organized by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN), the objective of this conference was to…
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An exchange seminar on lessons learned from 2015-2016 elections in West Africa
The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (DAE) of the Department of Political Affairs, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Organized…
Security creates the space where other development, political economic and social developments can take place. Credit: IFAD
The SSR, a pilar for peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel
Today, West Africa and the Sahel region is considered to be one of the main regions on the African continent to make significant progress in the area of security sector reform. Both at the policy and national levels…
Security Forces traning on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists in Mali. © UNESCO
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UNOWAS supports SRR processes in the sub-region
Since its establishement, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel has been engaged to supporting governements and partners to implement ambitions SSR programs. To consolidate peace and security, many countries…
Mr. Pierre Lapaque, UNODC Regional Representative
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Pierre Lapaque, UNODC Regional Representative: “In West Africa, insecurity comes partially from the security sector itself”
The United Nations Organisation against Drugs and Crime (UNODC) plays an important role in the fight against terrorism, illicit trafficking, organised crime and corruption. It is also mandated to contribute to strengthening…
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The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel condemns terrorist attack of 13 August in Ouagadougou
Dakar, 14 August 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, condemns in the strongest terms the…
Secretary-General appoints Ruby Sandhu-Rojon of the United States as Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Ruby Sandhu-Rojon as his new Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel. Ms. Sandhu-Rojon succeeds Hiroute Guebre Sellassie…
A policeman uses a poster to show a woman how to mark a ballot correctly in Freetown days ahead of the country’s presidential elections on 11 August 2007. Thanks to security forces, Sierra Leone organized, in 2007, violence-free election after 11 years of civil war. Credit: IRIN
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The SSR experience of Sierra Leone, a shining model in West Africa and beyond
After 11 years of a ravaging civil war, Sierra Leone with the support of the international community, undertook with determination to reform the security sector as one of the critical component of a nation building. Today…
Lieutenant Mariam Bamba Konaté
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Lieutenant Mariam Bamba Konaté: A Woman of Conviction
“We are working to build security and justice institutions which act in full compliance with the law and in the interest of the population that seeks peace and prosperity.” These words might as well have been extracted from a…
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Mohamed Ibn Chambas undertakes a solidary visit to Freetown
The Special Representative of the Secretary General carried out a solidarity visit to Freetown, Sierra Leone from august 23 to 25, following the mudslide that claimed 494 lives and the disappearance of hundreds of people…
UNOWAS supports the Security Reform Process in The Gambia
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, participated today in Banjul, The Gambia, in…
UNOWAS and CODESRIA organize a meeting on the relationship between money, security and governance in Africa
"Money, security and democratic governance in Africa". This is the theme of the meeting organized on 13 September 2017 in Dakar by the Council for Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and the United Nations Office for…