Zimbabwean appointed UN deputy envoy to Somalia

December 5, 2014 (JUBA) – UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has announced the appointment Zimbabwe’s Raisedon Zenenga as his deputy special representative of the UN assistance mission in Somalia (UNSOM), replacing Algeria’s Fatiha Serour.

In a statement, Ban acknowledged Serour’s leadership contributions, especially in support of the political process, human rights, rule of law and UNSOM’s security institution’s mandate.

Zenenga, who has over 30 years experience at the UN, reportedly possesses a diverse and substantial background in political processes and mediation; proven skills in managing peacekeeping operations; and significant experience in working with government and other key stakeholders in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Currently the deputy special representative (political) at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Zenenga also worked in Liberia, Iraq, Kuwait, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

He is credited for having supported several UN peacekeeping operations in Africa for 10 years while at its headquarters. An alumnus of the University of Zimbabwe, Zenenga received diplomatic training from the Australian Development Assistance Bureau.

(ST)