UN and African Union announce new head of joint peacekeeping mission in Darfur

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today announced the appointment of Mohamed Ibn Chambas of Ghana as their Joint Special Representative for Darfur, and head of the joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission in the west Sudanese region, known by the acronym UNAMID.

His responsibilities also include those of the AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator.

Mr. Chambas brings to this position extensive experience after a long and distinguished career in both international and governmental fora, most recently serving as the Secretary General of the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States (ACP), according to a statement provided by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

Prior to his ACP experience, Mr. Chambas was the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2006 to 2009 and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS from 2002 to 2005. He has also served as a Member of Parliament and in the Ghanaian Government.

Mr. Chambas replaces Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, for whom both Mr. Ban and Ms. Dlamini Zuma reiterated their “deep appreciation” for his service with UNAMID.

Established in July 2007, UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate. In addition, the Mission is tasked, in addition to other responsibilities, with facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and assisting with an inclusive peace process in Darfur, where fighting broke out nine years ago, pitting Government forces and allied militiamen against rebel groups.