Addis Ababa: Former Ethiopian President Sahle Work Zewde has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to lead an independent strategic review of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
According to the United Nations, Sahle-Work will assume the role at the end of June and oversee an assessment of UNOWAS’s operations, including its effectiveness in responding to political, security and humanitarian challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.
The review comes amid growing concerns over the region’s deteriorating security situation and criticism of the pace and effectiveness of international responses to recurring crises.
Following a briefing at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Sahle-Work is expected to travel to Dakar, Senegal, where UNOWAS is headquartered, to begin consultations with officials and formally launch the review process.
UN officials said her appointment reflects her extensive diplomatic experience and deep knowledge of the region. Prior to serving as Ethiopia’s first female president, Sahle-Work held several senior diplomatic positions, including ambassadorial postings in Senegal, with concurrent accreditation to Mali, Guinea and Cabo Verde.
She also served in various senior roles within the United Nations system, building a career that spans diplomacy, conflict prevention and international development.
The independent review is expected to evaluate the office’s mandate, performance and future role in addressing the complex challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel.
