UN plans to set up West Africa office

The United Nations plans to establish a West Africa subregional office in Dakar, Senegal, in January to improve coordination of work as well as assist the Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union, the Secretary-General's office announced on Monday. Annan announced his intention to set up the new office, in a letter to the Security Council President released at the weekend. The office would be established for three years, and run by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General 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. 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," the UN news service reported. The 15-member Council, welcomed Annan's proposal to establish the office, the service added.