About CENSAD
The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) is one of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) recognized by the African Union as pillars of continental integration and Africa’s economic, social and sustainable development.
Created on February 4, 1998 in Tripoli (Libya), CEN-SAD brings together 25 African states around the Sahara and the Sahel, and also has observer status with the United Nations.
(Provisional headquarters – Main court – 10 Villas of N’djari, N’djamena – TCHAD)
The Executive Secretary
Previously Secretary General of Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Ado ELHADJI ABOU was Niger’s Ambassador to France (2015-2021), with accreditations to the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Spain, Portugal and Monaco.
Ambassador of Niger to the Swiss Confederation and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, then Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Austria and the United Nations Office and International Institutions in Vienna (2013-2015).
He was also Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Niger and Deputy Secretary General (2005-2011), and served as Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Niamey (Niger).
He took office as Executive Secretary of CEN-SAD in July 2023, replacing Mr. BRIGI RAFINI.
The 25 Member States
CEN-SAD comprises 25 African states around the Sahara and Sahel.
