DAKAR, Sénégal, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and High-Level Representative of the Secretary-General to Nigeria, Mr. Said Djinnit, has ended today his third visit to the country, from 11 to 15 July.
During the visit, Mr. Djinnit held consultations with Government officials and the leadership of the National Assembly, former Heads of State, heads of defense and security services and agencies, civil society organisations including the “Bring Back our Girls” Movement and religious leaders. He also met with Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Girls Education activist on visit to Nigeria.
He also interacted with regional and international partners involved in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address the insecurity in the North East, and they reviewed and discussed their support to Nigeria’s efforts in facing the scourge of terrorism in light of the conclusions of the Paris and London meetings.
Said Djinnit reviewed, with all his interlocutors, progress being made in efforts to rescue the abducted Chibok school girls and to address the larger crisis resulting from the activities of Boko Haram group. He encouraged Government officials to pursue their multi-dimensional approach to addressing insecurity and insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria. The High Representative further encouraged Government’s ongoing efforts towards the safe release of the abducted girls. In this regard, he paid tribute to a cross section of Nigerians for their engagement for, and solidarity support to, the abducted school girls and other abductees and their families. He welcomed the crucial efforts deployed by religious leaders in support of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Mr. Djinnit reiterated the continued support of the United Nations to Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in the area of coordination for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for capacity building with regard to Human Rights and international Humanitarian Law as well as counter terrorism.
He stressed the commitment of the United Nations to the unity and stability of Nigeria and the consolidation of its democratic achievements. He reiterated his appeal to all leaders to look beyond political divides and work together in addressing the insecurity and insurgency confronting the nation.
With Girls Education activist, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Mr. Djinnit discussed psycho-social and material support to the abductees, their families and the affected communities.
Mr. Said Djinnit met with the United Nations Country Team in Abuja to review progress made in the implementation of the UN Integrated Support package.
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