Sierra Leone Telegraph: 01 January 2020:
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres last Thursday announced the appointment of Zainab Hawa Bangura of Sierra Leone, as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
The Secretary-General extended his appreciation and gratitude to Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), who will continue to serve as Acting Director-General until Ms. Bangura assumes this position.
Ms. Bangura, a relentless advocate for conflict resolution and reconciliation, and human rights champion, was most recently Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict from 2012 to 2017.
She began her United Nations career in the United Nations Mission in Liberia, where she was responsible for the management of the largest civilian component of the Mission, including promoting capacity-building of government institutions and community reconciliation.
She was Minister of Health and Sanitation (2010-2012) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2007-2010) for the Government of Sierra Leone.
Ms. Bangura has also served as Executive Director of the National Accountability Groups as well as Coordinator and Co-founder of the Campaign for Good Governance.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and advanced diplomas in insurance management from the University of London and Nottingham University.
Congratulations Mrs Zainab Bangura. I personally believe that with your leadership experience you have the potential to be the future president of Sierra Leone but unfortunately your party won’t give you that opportunity. I hope and pray that you will consider switching to a party that practices democracy. Keep up the good work; and may the Almighty continue to bless and protect you.
Its been a long time coming,no doubt,she has paid her dues,labored,and patiently climbed the ranks through persistence, diligence, and hard work. Bravo! A Phenomenal woman indeed! Our nation is proud of you dear sister. Its your time,to spread your wings and fly to outshine, in due time, all who remain chained, shackled,and subservient to paltry attitudes of regressiveness. And remember,you were once a gentle light,that flickered from a candle,that then became quickly,and easily transformed into the majestic blazing sun.What a blessing!
Daughter of Sierra Leone,and gentle Africa, my sister,our sister,your face dazzles,and beams with enchanting optimism,hope,and promise for a better future,and a happier,kinder human race. Our world has gone astray,and is now lost like an unruly child,so help us,through the radars of the UN to find and bring her back home again. In your eyes,I see empathy, hope,success,and peace boldly being rekindled,and despair,frustration,and failure being buried,and forever tucked away. Make us proud,my sister… Rising Sun Will Rise Again.
Sierra Leone needs to hear good things like this.Our people are the only real assets our nation has,and we must applaud them whenever renowned organizations like the UN recognize their efforts,and abilities,and promotes,and employs them.Congratulations,Ms Bangura.
Another BIG WIN for one of Sierra Leone’s IRON LADIES. What can you say or do when our IRON LADIES are taking TOP JOBS at the UN? NOTHING! CONGRATS TO YOU Ms Zainab Bangura. ENJOY. GOD BLESS YOU.