UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Chinese diplomat Cong Guang as the new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, marking a strategic shift in addressing regional security and development challenges. Cong succeeds Ghana's Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, who received praise for her "leadership and dedicated service" during her tenure.
With 23 years of UN peacekeeping experience – including significant work across the Horn of Africa – Cong currently serves as Deputy Special Representative for South Sudan. His appointment comes as the region faces complex crises, from climate-driven droughts to geopolitical tensions.
A statement from the UN Secretary-General's office highlighted Cong's "decades of international affairs experience," including prior service in China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before joining the UN in 2002. Analysts suggest his deep regional knowledge could strengthen coordination between UN agencies and East African governments.
The Horn of Africa role requires navigating delicate political landscapes, including mediation in Ethiopia's internal conflicts and addressing Somalia's security challenges. Cong's background in multilateral diplomacy positions him as a key player in stabilizing one of the world's most strategically vital regions.
