Annan announces plans to set up UN Office for West Africa

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has signalled his intention to set up a new United Nations Office for West Africa to enhance the coordination of work by the UN and its partners in the subregion, according to documents released today at UN Headquarters in New York.

In a letter to the Security Council President released today at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan says that the Office will be established next January for three years in Dakar, Senegal, and run by a Special Representative for West Africa.

Among its tasks, the Office would assist the work of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union, the Secretary-General says. It would also carry out good offices roles and special assignments in countries of the subregion on Mr. Annan's behalf, including in conflict prevention and peace-building efforts, as well as report to Headquarters on key developments of subregional significance.

In response, the Council President informed Mr. Annan in a letter released today that the 15-member body welcomed his intention to establish the proposed office.