Dakar, Senegal—The visit of the UPF president for West Africa provided an opportunity for UPF leaders to meet with high-level Senegalese government officials.
Dr. Paterne Zinsou, the sub-regional director of UPF for West Africa, arrived in Senegal on Thursday, December 22, 2016, after a visit to neighboring Guinea-Bissau. He would remain in Senegal until January 2, 2017.
After his arrival Dr. Zinsou met with Mr. Robert Diarra, secretary general of UPF-Senegal, and Mrs. Marie Diedhiou and Mrs. Véronique Diop, both public relations officers. He gave instructions concerning the activities of UPF during the year 2017 and in particular celebrations of United Nations observances. He made proposals on how to organize the national chapter so that it would become more efficient in its operations.
On the same day a UPF delegation composed of Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Mr. Robert Diarra, Mrs. Marie Diedhiou and Mrs. Véronique Diop met with Minister Arona Coumba Ndofène Diouf in his office. The purpose of the visit was linked to the invitation of various dignitaries, including the president of the republic, Mr. Macky Sall, to the UPF World Summit to be held in Korea from February 1 to 5, 2017. At the end of the meeting, the minister suggested a meeting with the head of the president’s Cabinet to formally offer him the invitation of the president of the republic.
On the morning of Tuesday, December 27, the UPF delegation, accompanied by the minister, met with the chief of staff of the president of the republic. He was very pleased with the honor given to the president of the republic. He assured us of his support and said he would do his best to arrange a meeting with the president of the republic to discuss his participation in the World Summit in Korea. Eventually the meeting did not take place because of the president’s busy year-end schedule.
From that moment, Dr. Zinsou suggested to the minister that the invitation be offered to the president of the National Assembly, Mr. Moustapha Niasse. In the event that the latter also had been prevented from inviting a vice president, it was suggested that an invitation be given to the president of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the minister himself and a deputy. That was done.
Minister Diouf assured us of his support for improved development of UPF activities in Senegal. He also promised to get involved personally in a meeting with the president of the National Assembly in order to prepare for the launching of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP).
We recalled that Minister Diouf is also a special advisor to the president of the republic. So a letter was sent to the president of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Niasse, to invite him especially to sponsor the launching of IAPP. A meeting was scheduled to be held soon after that on this subject. The appointment of the president of the republic and of ministers is on the agenda.
Dr. Paterne Zinsou’s Contribution to UPF-Senegal
Dr. Zinsou's various visits to Senegal have contributed much to the foundation for UPF. The Ambassadors for Peace have greatly appreciated the seminars that he has given. Many have asked for such seminars to be repeated.
When he visits Senegal, he gives himself entirely to activities, for example, meeting with officials and dignitaries, as well as advising and instructing the UPF team. This encourages Ambassadors for Peace to become more involved in UPF activities. His is a very valuable contribution.