UNOWA
United Nations Office for West Africa

Closure of UNOWA

The United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) was established in January 2002 to promote political stability in the region. Its mandate ended in January 2016, when it merged with the Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel (OSES) to form the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Secretary-General Ban confirms that UNOCI will maintain its flight operations

10 March 2011 -- "The Secretary-General notes with satisfaction the statement issued by the Government of President Ouattara regarding as invalid a declaration by the authorities supporting Mr. Gbagbo, banning United Nations and Licorne flights inside Côte d'Ivoire," according to a statement attributable to his spokesman. He deplores this latest attempt to disrupt the operations of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and warns all parties that any attempt to disrupt flights conducted by the impartial forces is unacceptable.

The Secretary-General confirms that UNOCI will maintain its flight operations and take all necessary measures, as directed by unanimous Security Council resolutions, to protect its assets and fulfil its mandate, particularly with regards to protection of civilians.


New York
10 March 2011