H.E. Amb Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security congratulates Mr. El Ghassim Wane on his appointment as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in the United Nations (UN)

By African Union Commission (AUC)

H.E. Amb Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security has congratulated Mr. El Ghassim Wane for his appointment as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in the United Nations (UN).

“It was with great pleasure that I learned of your appointment as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in the United Nations (UN) and on behalf of the Peace and Security Department as a whole I would like to extend to you my warmest congratulations,” he said.

“Over the years, the United Nations and the African Union have forged a close and solid partnership on a range of thematic issues. Your role as Director was further characterized by renewed dialogue and collaboration with the AU Partners, particularly with the UN, on issues related to peace and security on the Continent. Your appointment therefore comes at an opportune time as the two organizations are continuously working to enhance their cooperation in the area of peace and security.'

Mr Wane's appointment is thanks to his personal qualities but it is also in recognition of the AU's increasing capabilities in the management of crises on the continent.

Amb. Chergui lauded Mr. Wane for his 21 years of distinguished and exemplary service to the Commission, adding that he had inspired the staff of the Department to aspire to greater heights in advancing the cause of peace and security on the Continent.

Amb Chergui said that Mr. Wane will be remembered at the Commission for his contribution to several of the AU's flagship conflict prevention and management initiatives, most notably to the formulation of key AU policy documents relating to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the June 2006 Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and the AU Border Programme among others.

“I would like to express to you my sincere and profound thanks for the dedication and commitment with which you served the Commission as Director of the AU Peace and Security Department (PSD). I am confident that you will take with you to the UN, the wealth of experience, industry and charismatic leadership that you have developed at the AU. I have no doubt that you will be equally dedicated to championing global peace and security at the UN with the same vigor and passion as you have demonstrated at the Commission. I wish you every success in this new phase of your professional career,” he said.