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).

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Attacks in Kano, Nigeria

New York, 21 January 2012 - The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the multiple attacks that have taken place across the northern Nigerian city of Kano, causing large-scale casualties and massive destruction to property.The Secretary-General is appalled at the frequency and intensity of recent attacks in Nigeria, which demonstrate a wanton and unacceptable disregard for human life. The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families. In voicing solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, the Secretary-General also expresses his hope for swift and transparent investigations into these incidents that lead to bringing the perpetrators to justice.