UN, AU appoint Ghana’s Ibn Chambas special envoy to Darfur

Ghanaian diplomat, Mr Mohamed Ibn Chambas has been named the new Special Representative for Darfur, the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) jointly announced December 20, 2012.

Mr Chambas will also head the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), with responsibilities including those of African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator.

He replaces Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria.

Mr. Chambas brings to his new position extensive experience after a long and distinguished career in both international and governmental forums, most recently as Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.  Prior to that, he was President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2006 to 2009, and Executive Secretary from 2002 to 2005, according to a statement issued by the Office of the UN Secretary-General.

A former Member of Parliament, Mr. Chambas served as Deputy Foreign Secretary of Ghana in 1987, and as Deputy Minister for Education in charge of Tertiary Education from 1997 to 2000. Between 1991 and 1996, he was involved in mediation efforts in Liberia.

Born in 1950, Mr. Chambas holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Ghana.  He also has a master’s and a PhD from Cornell University, as well as a law degree from Case Western Reserve University, both institutions in the United States.

By Ekow Quandzie