The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has announced the appointment of Anita Kiki Gbeho as the new Special Representative for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Ms. Gbeho succeeds Nicholas Haysom of South Africa, whose tenure was marked by sustained efforts to advance peace and stability in the country. Guterres expressed deep appreciation for Haysom’s leadership and longstanding service to the United Nations, particularly his role in supporting South Sudan’s fragile peace process.
Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for South Sudan, as the nation continues to navigate a delicate political transition, implement the revitalized peace agreement, and respond to ongoing humanitarian challenges.
As head of UNMISS, Ms. Gbeho will oversee peacekeeping operations, support the implementation of the peace deal, lead efforts to protect civilians, and coordinate international assistance aimed at fostering stability and development.
Ms. Gbeho brings more than 25 years of experience within the UN system, spanning political affairs, humanitarian coordination, and development. Since 2024, she has served in South Sudan as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in UNMISS, while also holding dual roles as Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator. During this time, she has periodically acted as Officer-in-Charge, gaining direct leadership experience in the mission.
Prior to this, she served as Deputy Special Representative (Political) at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia from 2021 to 2023, where she played a central role in political engagement and stabilization efforts.
She also held senior leadership positions in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur between 2018 and 2020, contributing to peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts in Sudan’s Darfur region.
Her earlier assignments include serving as Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Namibia, as well as leadership roles with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York, Somalia, and South Sudan. These roles have equipped her with extensive expertise in managing complex emergencies and post-conflict recovery operations.
Ms. Gbeho holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and African Studies from the State University of New York in the United States, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Her appointment is expected to ensure continuity in leadership at UNMISS, given her deep familiarity with South Sudan’s political and humanitarian landscape. Observers say her experience and institutional knowledge position her strongly to advance peace efforts and strengthen coordination among national, regional, and international stakeholders.
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