The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has appointed Gabonese diplomat Parfait Onanga-Anyanga as his special representative for Central Africa and interim head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). This appointment comes as a transitional measure while Onanga-Anyanga awaits confirmation or the nomination of a new head to replace Abdou Abarry, who has concluded his three-year term. Onanga-Anyanga officially commenced his duties on Monday, bringing his extensive experience to the role.

Onanga-Anyanga's career spans nearly three decades, with significant roles at national, regional, and international levels. He has been part of the United Nations system for 28 years and has served in various capacities, underscoring his deep-rooted expertise in diplomatic and administrative functions. His appointment highlights the UN's reliance on seasoned professionals to navigate the complexities of peace and security in Central Africa.

The UN Office for Central Africa, headquartered in Libreville, plays a crucial role in addressing regional security challenges and supporting peace processes. Onanga-Anyanga's leadership is expected to steer the office during a critical transition phase, and his previous experience will be pivotal in managing existing conflicts and fostering dialogue among member states in the region.