Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somali Government on Sunday welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ appointment of Raisedon Zenenga of Zimbabwe as his new Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia.

“It’s great to have you back, Rai Zenenga! Congratulations on your new role as the UN Deputy SRSG to #Somalia. Your extensive knowledge and expertise in global and Somalia affairs place you in a pivotal position to support the government and people of Somalia. #SomaliaUNSOM“, Minister of Information of Somalia, Daud Aweis Jama said.

” Congratulations to my good friend Rai Zenenga who comes back as Deputy SRSG for Somalia. His reappointment at this critical time for Somalia is a welcome development. His vast experience in Somalia and in the Region, his extensive contacts, and his cool and thoughtful personality will serve him well. Welcome back, brother.@UNSomalia @UNSOS_“, Deputy Executive Secretary IGAD, Mohamed Abdi Ware said on X Post.

Mr. Zenenga succeeds Anita Kiki Gbeho of Ghana, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service in Somalia.

Currently serving as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya, where he also served as Assistant Secretary-General and Mission Coordinator of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) since 2020, Mr. Zenenga brings extensive experience in supporting political processes and mediation, managing complex peace operations, and working with Government and other key stakeholders in conflict and post-conflict settings.  He has over 30 years of experience in the United Nations, including with United Nations missions in Liberia, Libya, Iraq-Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as at the United Nations Headquarters.

He previously held the positions of Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.  He also served in other senior roles at the United Nations Headquarters supporting peacekeeping operations in Africa.  Mr. Zenenga began his professional career in his country’s Diplomatic Service.

Source: Mogadishu24/ UNSOM