UN Appoints New Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan
DID Press: Bruno Lemarquis arrived in Kabul on Tuesday and officially assumed his duties as the new Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
UNAMA said Lemarquis will serve as Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator, overseeing the work of UN agencies, funds, and programs across Afghanistan. He succeeds Indrika Ratwatte in the role.
His appointment comes one day after the United Nations Security Council unanimously extended UNAMA’s mandate until June 2027, reaffirming the mission’s role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, supporting development efforts, and monitoring human rights conditions in Afghanistan.
As the UN’s senior humanitarian and development official in the country, Lemarquis assumes his new responsibilities at a time when Afghanistan continues to face significant economic challenges, widespread poverty, and growing humanitarian needs, while remaining heavily dependent on international assistance.
According to UNAMA, Lemarquis brings more than three decades of experience within the United Nations system. Most recently, he served from 2022 to 2026 as Deputy Special Representative in the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while also holding the positions of Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.
His previous assignments have included senior field roles in Somalia, Palestinian Territories, Haiti, and Cambodia.