By Kemo Cham
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Babatunde Ahonsi as new Resident Coordinator of the global body in Sierra Leone, Politico has learnt.
Mr Ahonsi, a Nigerian, was named on Monday, 21 September, according to a UN news report. The report said the new UN country chief was appointed with the host government’s approval.
The report states that Mr. Ahonsi has more than two decades of experience in international development, both within and outside the United Nations system. it added that he recently served as the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in China after occupying leadership positions with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including Representative in China, Country Director for Mongolia and Representative in Ghana.
Before joining the United Nations, Mr. Ahonsi held senior programme management positions with the Ford Foundation in West Africa and worked as Country Representative for the Population Council, an international non-governmental organization, in Nigeria. He also lectured at various federal universities in Nigeria.
Mr. Ahonsi holds a bachelor’s degree with honours in sociology from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and a doctorate in population studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian replaces Indian diplomat, Dr Sunil Saigal, who ends his four and half years tour of duty in the country.
Mr. Ahonsi has the task of continuing his predecessor’s work of providing guidance in Sierra Leone’s rocky path towards democracy, which has been characterized by political tension and constant threats of violence.
The UN was instrumental in restoring peace in Sierra Leone, after its 11-years (1991-2002) civil war.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
