Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, President of the Conseil Consultatif de la Refondation (CCR), met with the head of the mission for the Independent Strategic Review (RSI) on Monday, July 20, 2026. The meeting, held in Niamey, Niger, marked the beginning of consultations for the review. These discussions are part of a broader assessment concerning the mission of the Bureau des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS) in the region. The review aims to evaluate UNOWAS's effectiveness and future role in West Africa and the Sahel.
Strategic Review Mission
The Independent Strategic Review (RSI) mission is evaluating the mandate and activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). This meeting with Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey forms part of consultations initiated by the RSI mission with Nigerien authorities and national institutions. These consultations aim to gather perspectives on UNOWAS's operations and its future direction in the region. Mme Sahle-Work Zewde, the former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, leads the mission. The review process involves discussions with various stakeholders to ensure a full assessment of UNOWAS's impact and effectiveness.
Regional Challenges Context
The regional context surrounding the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) operations is complex. West Africa and the Sahel currently face significant security challenges, including widespread instability and conflict. Political challenges also persist, with various governance issues impacting the region's stability and development. Humanitarian concerns are pronounced, driven by displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services across several nations. These factors collectively contribute to substantial development challenges, hindering progress and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. The independent strategic review of UNOWAS is being conducted against this backdrop, aiming to assess the mission's effectiveness in addressing these multifaceted issues and to define its future role in a region grappling with these interconnected crises.
Consultations with Authorities
Dr. Djingarey's engagement with the Independent Strategic Review (RSI) mission began with a meeting held at his office in Niamey. This consultation forms a core part of the mission's broader discussions with Nigerien authorities and national institutions. The dialogue aims to gather diverse perspectives on the operations and strategic direction of the Bureau des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS). The discussions are designed to inform a full assessment of UNOWAS's effectiveness and its future role in addressing the complex challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel. The RSI mission is led by Mme Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia.
Future UNOWAS Evolution
The Independent Strategic Review's primary objective is to collect analyses and contributions regarding the Bureau des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS). These discussions specifically target the role, missions, and future evolution of UNOWAS within the region. The full assessment aims to inform decisions on how the United Nations office can adapt its operations to effectively address the complex security, political, humanitarian, and development challenges prevalent in West Africa and the Sahel. Mme Sahle-Work Zewde leads the mission, which seeks diverse perspectives to shape UNOWAS's strategic direction moving forward.
