United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed UNMISS Deputy Head, Mr. Guang Cong, as his new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, succeeding Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana.
Mr. Cong brings a wealth of diplomatic and field experience to the role, with more than 23 years of service in various United Nations peace operations many of them in the Horn of Africa.
His appointment comes at a critical time as the region continues to face interlinked challenges of conflict, climate stress, displacement, and fragile political transitions.
Prior to this role, Mr. Cong served as the Deputy Special Representative (Political) for South Sudan and Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Between 2016 and 2020, he was the Director of Civil Affairs in UNMISS, overseeing grassroots peacebuilding efforts in one of the world’s most fragile states.
His earlier assignments include Chief of Civil Affairs in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and several postings with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), including in Jonglei, Blue Nile, and Abyei.
Beyond Africa, Mr. Cong also held senior roles in Lebanon with the UN Special Coordinator’s Office (UNSCOL), and in Afghanistan with the UN Assistance Mission (UNAMA).
Before joining the United Nations in 2002, he served in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Shanghai International Studies University and a graduate certificate from the China Foreign Affairs University. Mr. Cong is fluent in English and Chinese.
In his new role, Mr. Cong is expected to lead high-level diplomatic engagement and support regional initiatives to promote peace, security, and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
