What You Need to Know
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Gabonese diplomat Parfait Onanga-Anyanga as his special representative and interim head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). Onanga-Anyanga, a seasoned diplomat with nearly three decades of experience, officially began his duties recently, overseeing eleven countries in the region amid a transitional period for the UN.
Africa-Press. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Gabonese diplomat Parfait Onanga-Anyanga as his special representative in Central Africa and interim head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), following the end of the term of the previous head, Nigerian diplomat Abdou Abari.
Onanga-Anyanga officially began his duties last Monday, pending the procedures for appointing a permanent head for the office, amid expectations that he will continue to perform his tasks during the transitional period the organization is experiencing in this vital region.
Onanga-Anyanga is one of the most prominent veteran African diplomats, with nearly three decades of experience at both national and international levels. He joined the UN system 28 years ago.
In the past four years, he served as the UN Secretary-General’s special representative to the African Union in Addis Ababa, where he played a pivotal role in supporting regional cooperation efforts and enhancing multilateral diplomacy.
The Gabonese diplomat has held several leadership positions within the organization, including heading the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and leading the UN Office for the Horn of Africa in Kenya.
Onanga-Anyanga is known for his ability to manage complex issues; he coordinated the UN’s response to the Boko Haram crisis and led the UN mission in Burundi from 2012 to 2014, a period marked by significant political tension.
As the head of the UN Office for Central Africa, he will oversee eleven countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, while his final base of operations remains undecided between Libreville or Addis Ababa, with anticipation for a decision that will determine the future management of the office during the upcoming phase.
Parfait Onanga-Anyanga brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role, having served in various capacities within the UN for over 28 years. His previous positions include serving as the UN’s special representative to the African Union, where he played a crucial role in enhancing regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. His leadership in complex situations, such as the UN response to the Boko Haram crisis, showcases his capability in managing intricate diplomatic challenges.
