In Mali, UNOWAS Chief Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to West Africa and the Sahel, visited Bamako to meet with officials on Thursday. He was received by Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maïga for high-level discussions.

The talks focused on Mali’s security and economic challenges, as well as strategies to strengthen cooperation between the country and the United Nations.

Simão’s visit follows a UN appeal for regional action to combat terrorism in the Sahel, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated security efforts.

Officials emphasized that continued dialogue with the UN is critical for addressing ongoing threats and promoting stability and development in Mali.