Security and political matters in West Africa and institutional co-operation were at the heart of discussions between the President of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), Marcel de Souza and the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in New York, United States, on 26 September 2017.

Their discussions particularly centred on the lingering political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, recent political developments in Togo and the security situation in Mali.
“We must work towards achieving peace in Mali” stated the Head of the executive arm of ECOWAS.

Marcel de Souza and his host agreed to seek out ways and means to step up the fight against terrorism in the country in particular and the Sahel region at large.

They commended the G5 Sahel initiative and acknowledged the benefits of joining Community forces to establish peace in Mali and the Sahel region.

In addition, they discussed modalities for the transfer of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) radio to ECOWAS and support to the UN in improving the health conditions of the people, particularly in the fight against obstetric fistula.

On the action against obstetric fistula, Marcel de Souza informed his host of the ECOWAS First Ladies Forum scheduled for 5 October 2017 in Niamey, Niger.

The Niamey meeting is expected to send out a strong message against obstetric fistula, early marriage and the ‘witch child’ phenomenon.