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UN appoints head of UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

Xinhua, October 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday announced the appointment of Maman S. Sidikou of Niger as Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Sidikou is also appointed as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sidikou succeeds Martin Kobler of Germany, said a UN spokesman at the daily briefing.

"The Secretary-General is grateful for Kobler's important contribution and dedicated service for the past two years in supporting the implementation of MONUSCO's mandate," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general.

"Sidikou brings vast experience to his new position, with more than 25 years in his country's domestic and foreign services, the United Nations and as a senior African Union (AU) official," said Dujarric.

"He is currently serving as the AU Special Representative for Somalia (SRCC) and Head of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)," said Dujarric.

Sidikou has served in various senior capacities in his Government's Service since 1976, most recently as Ambassador of Niger to the United States (2011 to 2014), said Dujarric.

Sidikou holds a PhD in Education from Florida State University. He is married and has two children. Enditem