The United Nations has appointed Major General Kefyalew Amde Tessema of Ethiopia as new Force Commander for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
According to radio Tamazuj report, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres annouced the appointment on Monday.
“The Secretary-General is grateful for his tireless dedication and effective leadership of UNISFA,” UN spokesperson said in a statement.
Tessema replaces Major General Mehari Zewde Gebremariam of Ethiopia whose assignment is ending on 7 July 2020. He was born in 1969 in Arsi, Ethiopia.
Gen. Tessema worked for Ethiopian army force for more than 30 years. He has been a member of the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense since 2017. Previously, he held other senior positions including AMISOM sector Commander in Somalia.
Major General Tessema holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Ashland University in the United States and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Command and Control of Military Unity and Formation from the Russian Federation Compound Force Academy.