Mozambican in a strategic position at the UN.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (ONU), announced the appointment of Leonardo Simão, former Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, as his special representative, for West Africa and the Sahel.
According to a UN statement, the Mozambican diplomat will also assume leadership of the Cameroon-Nigeria Joint Commission in the context of his new duties, succeeding Annadif Saleh, from Chad, who completed his mandate in October 2022.
Who is Leonardo Simon?
Leonardo Simão, Mozambican by birth, graduated in Medicine from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). He held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique between 1994 and 2005, after having been head of the Ministry of Health from 1986 to 1994.
Recently, Simão played the role of Mozambique's roving ambassador, responsible for promoting the country's candidacy for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Mozambique was elected to this position in mid-2022, making all Mozambicans proud.
The importance of West Africa and the Sahel
The Sahel is an African region located between the Sahara desert and the most fertile lands of the continent's equatorial region. This area forms an almost uninterrupted corridor from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, with a width that varies between 500 and 700 km.
West Africa is located in the western part of the continent, between the Sahara Desert and the Gulf of Guinea. This region encompasses territories of countries such as Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Togo, among others.
Conclusion
As UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, the Mozambican, Leonardo Simão, will be responsible for working closely with governments in the region, regional organizations and international partners in promoting peace, security and sustainable development.
His experience and diplomatic expertise will be crucial in meeting the challenges and opportunities the region is currently facing.
What do you think of the appointment of a Mozambican to this position? Is Mozambique finally occupying a prominent position in Southern Africa? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
Mozambique in the presidency of the UN Security Council
Mozambique leads PALOP Cooperation meeting
Ilha de Moçambique gives new life to plastic
Picture: © 2023 Francisco Lopes-Santos
