IN a groundbreaking appointment, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Major-General Anita Asmah of Ghana as the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). This historic achievement makes Maj-Gen Asmah the first African woman to lead a UN peacekeeping force.
UNDOF, established in the aftermath of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and overseeing the disengagement agreement.
‘I wholeheartedly accept this role to serve,’ Maj-Gen Asmah said in a recent interview with UN publication Africa Renewal. ‘It’s an opportunity to lessen the suffering of the people, and I am deeply committed to the mission and its goals.’
A trailblazer in peacekeeping
Maj-Gen Asmah’s career with UNDOF is marked by dedication and leadership. From 2021 to 2023, she served as Deputy Force Commander and briefly assumed the role of Acting Force Commander between July and November 2022. Her appointment as Force Commander underscores her expertise and the trust placed in her by the global peacekeeping community.
Reflecting on her work, Maj-Gen Asmah spoke of the bonds she has built with local communities and UN personnel. Her tenure has been defined by resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges, extreme weather, and harsh terrain. ‘I am up to the task,’ she affirmed, expressing confidence in her team’s ability to navigate these difficulties with diplomacy and strategic leadership.
Championing gender equality
An advocate for gender equality, Maj-Gen Asmah applauds the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028), which aims to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping. She urged for greater efforts to boost parity, emphasising that excelling in command roles is key to transforming peacekeeping operations.
‘By excelling in our responsibilities, we can pave the way for more women to take on leadership positions and redefine the landscape of peacekeeping,’ she stated.
Her appointment has been widely celebrated. Compatriot Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, former Deputy Force Commander for MINURSO, described the milestone as transformative. ‘This achievement underscores Ghana’s commitment to inclusion and highlights Africa’s potential in global peacekeeping,’ she said, calling for more senior women in leadership roles.
A legacy of excellence
Maj-Gen Asmah’s career spans over three decades in the Ghana Armed Forces and UN peacekeeping. An alumna of Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, she holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Ghana and is fluent in English and French.
As she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday in February 2025, Maj-Gen Asmah embarks on this new chapter with a wealth of experience and a vision for inclusive and effective peacekeeping.
She succeeds Lieutenant-General Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal, who concludes his term in December 2024.
A historic moment for Africa
Maj-Gen Asmah’s appointment as the first African woman Force Commander represents a significant milestone for the UN and Africa. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of gender parity, and the potential for African nations to lead on the global stage.
‘I feel truly elated,’ she said, reflecting on her journey and the support she has received. ‘This is not just my victory; it’s a victory for women, for Africa, and for the future of peacekeeping.’
Her leadership promises to inspire a new generation of women to rise, break barriers, and redefine what is possible in global peacekeeping.
