UN chief appoints new force commander in South Sudan
July 5, 2022 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian as the new force commander of its mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The UN, in a statement issued Tuesday, said Subramanian from India will replace Lt. Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his tireless dedication, invaluable service as well as effective leadership.
“Lieutenant General Subramanian has a distinguished military career with the Indian Army spanning over 36 years. Most recently, he served as the General Officer Commanding, Military Region (Operational and Logistic Readiness Zone) in central India, contributing to the Army’s operational and logistic preparedness,” reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
The new force commander previously served in several positions within the Indian army, including working as Additional Director General for Procurement and Equipment Management at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) (2019-2021), General Officer Commanding a Strike Infantry Division (2018-2019), Deputy General Officer Commanding of Infantry Division (2015-2016), among other roles.
“Lieutenant General Subramanian served as India’s Defence Attaché to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (2008-2012) and as a Staff Officer with the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone in 2000,” stressed the UN statement.
Subramanian, who holds Masters of Philosophy Degrees in Defence and Management Studies and Social Sciences, is reportedly fluent in Tamil, English and Hindi.
(ST)