Leonardo Santos Simao, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahel and West Africa, continues to be actively engaged in the crisis in Niger. According to information from RFI, he is preparing a new mission to the country in the coming days in order to plead in favor of the delivery of humanitarian aid and to discuss once again with the military junta.
After recently traveling to Nigeria, Leonardo Santos Simao decided to travel to Niamey, the capital of Niger. Although the date of his visit is not yet confirmed, it is expected to take place in the coming days. Its main concern is humanitarian aid intended for the Nigerien populations in the regions of Diffa, Maradi, Tahoua, Zinder and Niamey. Unfortunately, this aid is not allowed into the country by the ruling military.
Another sensitive subject that requires clarification is Niger’s non-participation in the UN General Assembly. The existing soldiers denounced this absence, explaining that it was an obstacle to their full participation. In order to resolve this situation, Leonardo Santos Simao met on Saturday with the ECOWAS mediator, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the president of the ECOWAS Commission. These meetings revealed that the situation was blocked and that it was necessary to await new directions from the current president, Bola Tinubu.
This new mission by Leonardo Santos Simao to Niger shows his continued commitment to resolving the crisis. By pleading for the delivery of humanitarian aid and by discussing with the military junta, he hopes to find solutions to relieve the Nigerien populations who are in need. His involvement also shows the importance of diplomacy in resolving international crises, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Sahel and West Africa.
It is to be hoped that this new mission by Leonardo Santos Simao in Niger will lead to concrete progress and an improvement in the humanitarian situation in the country. The international community must continue to support the efforts of the United Nations and its special representatives to resolve crises and provide valuable assistance to those who need it most.