Anita Gbeho, an expert in international conflicts, takes the helm of the largest UN mission in South Sudan.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio GuterresThe decision was made to appoint Ghanaian diplomat Anita Kiki Gbeho as head of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), succeeding the late official Nicholas Haysom.

Who is Anita Kiki Gbeho?

According to the statement issued by the United Nations headquarters, the selection of Anita Gbeho did not come out of nowhere, as she possesses a knowledge and practical background spanning more than 25 years.

Ghebeho specialized in strategic planning, coordination, and management within political, developmental, and humanitarian affairs.

Her experience has ranged from working at the UN headquarters, focusing on high-level policies, to going into the field in complex environments experiencing armed conflict or going through sensitive post-conflict phases. According to the report, this combination of office and field experience gives her the ability to understand the logistical and political challenges facing the South Sudan mission.

From Angola to Sudan

Gbeho's career was not limited to one country; she was involved in peacebuilding operations in conflict zones around the world. She worked in Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan.

What is the UN mission in South Sudan?

The United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, known as UNMISS, is one of the largest and most important peacekeeping operations in the world, having been established in July 2011 in conjunction with the birth of the state of South Sudan.

Its primary mission is to protect civilians from violence, facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to millions in need, and monitor and report on human rights violations; it acts as a legal and security buffer to prevent the country from sliding back into full-blown conflict.

On the other hand, the mission plays a pivotal political and strategic role in supporting the implementation of the revitalized peace agreements and advancing the democratic transition, including providing technical and logistical support for electoral processes and constitution drafting.

The mission consists of a massive international force comprising thousands of soldiers, police officers, and civilian employees of various nationalities, stationed in the capital Juba and other states to ensure the stability of the political and security environment and to build state institutions in accordance with international standards.