Raisedon Zenenga Explained

Raisedon Zenenga is a Zimbabwean diplomat who has been serving as Deputy Special Representative of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) since 2024, working alongside Catriona Laing.^[1]

Early life and education

Zenenga graduated from the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied public administration and political science.^[2]

Career

Zenenga began his professional career in Zimbabwe’s diplomatic service.^[3]

After moving to the United Nations, Zenenga also served in senior roles at the organization’s headquarters supporting peacekeeping operations in Africa.^[4]

Under the leadership of Hilde Frafjord Johnson, Zenenga was the United Nations Deputy Special Representative in South Sudan (-2014)^[5] and the Deputy Special Representative for Somalia (2014–2020).^[6]

Under the leadership of Stephanie Turco Williams (2020), Ján Kubiš (2021–2022) and Abdoulaye Bathily (2022–2023), Zenenga was the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya, where he also served as Assistant Secretary-General and Mission Coordinator of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).^[7]

Notes and References

1. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sga2261.doc.htm Secretary-General Appoints Raisedon Zenenga of Zimbabwe Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia
2. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sga2261.doc.htm Secretary-General Appoints Raisedon Zenenga of Zimbabwe Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia
3. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sga2261.doc.htm Secretary-General Appoints Raisedon Zenenga of Zimbabwe Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia
4. Patrick Worsnip (20 November 2008), UN council targets those stirring Somalia trouble Reuters.
5. Isma’il Kushkush (21 April 2014), Attackers Said to Single Out South Sudanese by Background New York Times.
6. Web site: Secretary-General Appoints Raisedon Zenenga of Zimbabwe Deputy Special Representative for United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. United Nations.
7. Stephanie Nebehay and Ahmed Elumami (2 July 2021), U.N.-backed Libya talks fail to reach consensus - statement Reuters.