Biographical Note

Secretary-General, African Union Commission Chairperson Appoint Mohamed ibn Chambas

of Ghana Joint Special Representative for Darfur

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced today the appointment of Mohamed ibn Chambas of Ghana as their Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), with responsibilities including those of African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator.

He replaces Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, to whom the Secretary-General and the Commission Chairperson wish to reiterate their deep appreciation for his dedicated service during his tenure with UNAMID.

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.

A former Member of Parliament, Mr. Chambas notably 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.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record