By John Ikani
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will today begin a Ramadan solidarity visit to Nigeria, Senegal, and Niger.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told newsmen on Friday that the secretary-general will arrive in Senegal on Saturday evening, travel to Niger on Monday and to Nigeria on Tuesday and then return to New York.
Haq said: “However, at the same time, the Ukraine crisis does have an impact on the African continent, including through higher food prices and other challenges.
“He wants to discuss those challenges with the leaders with whom he is meeting.”
Guterres began the annual Ramadan solidarity visits when he was UN High Commissioner for Refugees, but the tradition was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the three countries, the secretary-general will also meet civil society representatives, religious leaders and families affected by violence and instability in Africa’s Sahel region, including people internally displaced and refugees,” the U.N. spokesman said.
