The High Representative in North America

21 October 2024

The High Representative of the Coalition, H.E. Mr Hamadi Meimou, was in North America from the 8 to the 11 October 2024 for consultations with the USA leadership and the Secretary General’s team at the United Nations, two central partners for the Coalition for the Sahel.

 

In Washington DC, the High Representative was received by Mr Michael Heath, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the US State Department. They discussed the security and humanitarian challenges facing the Sahel and its neighbours, as well as the USA’s commitments to the region in all areas, from security to development.

Additionally, the High Representative also visited the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he was received by Dr. Joseph Sany, Vice-President of the Africa Centre, and his team. As the leading institute for international relations, the USIP is active in the Sahel via programmes to promote regional political dialogue and the role of women in the region.

 

In New York, the High Representative spoke with the leading members of the UN Secretary General’s office, those most involved in the Coalition for the Sahel.

 

Alongside Ms Martha Pobee, Deputy Secretary General for Africa, who reiterated the UN’s commitment to the Sahel as a priority for the international community, it was considered essential that regional dialogue be reopened through all possible channels, in particular concerning mediation within West Africa.

 

 

Ms Ilze Brands Kehris, the Deputy Secretary General for Human Rights, shared our concern for the deteriorating living conditions for Sahel populations struggling in an unstable environment (refugees, internal displacement, attacks on civilians). The importance of increased financing for humanitarian concerns was also mentioned.

 

 

The audience with Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Assistant Secretary General for peace operations, addressed the acute challenges of terrorism, and the wider insecurity affecting populations.