DAKAR, Senegal (BG) – Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), has commended the region’s democratic progress but cautioned that economic vulnerabilities could undermine these gains.

“These two elections [Senegal and Ghana] demonstrate progress in democracy in the region. However, Ghana, Senegal and others face significant economic challenges and require support to manage rising debt and implement projects that protect livelihoods, otherwise their democratic gains may fail to satisfy the created expectations of the populations, in particular among women and the youth,” he told the United Nations Security Council on Friday.

Recent elections in Ghana and Senegal saw opposition parties secure victory, reflecting the maturing of democratic institutions in the region and the electorate’s confidence in peaceful political transitions. This progress underscores the resilience of democracy in West Africa amid broader economic and security challenges.

These elections testify to the region’s commitment to democratic values, providing hope for stability amid complex security and economic challenges.

The Special Representative’s remarks underscore the broader context of democratic resilience in West Africa, where countries like Liberia and The Gambia are also making significant strides.

He praised Liberia for ensuring accountability for past crimes and The Gambia’s transitional justice process.

Security and Humanitarian Concerns in the Sahel

While democracy is advancing in some areas, the central Sahel continues to grapple with alarming levels of insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

Simão reported that over 8,200 schools have been closed due to increased displacement and insecurity, exacerbating the region’s challenges.

“Regional leaders unanimously acknowledge insecurity driven by terrorism and violent extremism as the region’s most urgent concern,” Simão said, pointing to the need for coordinated efforts to combat these threats.

Progress in Regional Cooperation and Peacebuilding

The Special Representative also commended the ongoing border demarcation efforts between Cameroon and Nigeria as a key step for peacebuilding and diplomacy.

He noted that the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) will work closely with the African Union to advance African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention.

He welcomed the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which aims to enhance dialogue and confidence-building measures among Member States.

He reiterated UNOWAS’ commitment to fostering collaboration across stakeholders, including governments, civil society, women, and youth, to address pressing security and governance challenges.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Simão’s address highlighted that the progress in democratic governance demonstrates the region’s capacity for resilience and its potential to overcome adversity through cooperation and inclusive governance.