Niger’s former FM appointed deputy head of Darfur peacekeeping mission

May 13, 2011 (UNITED NATIONS) — UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon and the Chairperson of the African Union, Jean Ping, have appointed Niger’s former foreign minister as Deputy Joint Special Representative in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Ms. Aïchatou Mindaoudou Souleymane replace Ghanaian General Henry K. Anyidoho who left the hybrid peacekeeping mission since the end of his tenure in May 2010. Ban Ki-moon praised Anyidoho for “his tireless dedication and invaluable service”.

She served as Niger’s foreign minister from 16 April 1999 to 5 January 2000, and again from 17 September 2001. Prior to this, she served as the Minister of Social Development, Population and Promotion of Women’s Rights.

Born in Niger in 1959, Ms. Mindaoudou obtained both her PhD and Masters in Law at the University of Paris, France, and her Bachelor degree in Law at the University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

(ST)