Experienced UN official to head peacebuilding office in Central African Republic

The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Margaret Vogt of Nigeria as his Special Representative and head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).

Ms. Vogt, currently Deputy Director of the Africa I Division in the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), and a former deputy special representative in Somalia, will replace Sahle-Work Zewde at BINUCA.

During her career Ms. Vogt has also worked with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The UN withdrew its peacekeeping operation from the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad last year at the end of its mandate, and has since concentrated on civilian peacebuilding efforts, including promoting reconciliation, supporting the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, electoral assistance, reforming the security sector and helping efforts to restore State authority throughout the country.

The Security Council has extended the mandate of BINUCA until 31 December.