Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha of the Nepali Army has been appointed as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the announcement on Tuesday.
Shrestha replaces Major General Robert Yaw Affram of Ghana, who had been leading the mission during the interim period.
“Lieutenant General Shrestha brings 36 years of military service encompassing leadership positions in the Nepali Army, such as Division Commander of the Far Western Division, as well as United Nations peacekeeping experience, including Sector Commander for Sector East in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Most recently, Lieutenant General Shrestha has been Master General of Ordinance in the Nepali Army Headquarters,” the UN said in a statement.
Shrestha was Administrative Registrar of Shree Birendra Military Hospital, Director of Policy and Plans at the Nepali Army Headquarters, and Brigade Commander of the 16 and 9 Brigades.
He holds a master’s degree in military science and strategic studies from the International College of Defence Studies, National Defence University, China. He also earned a master’s degree in Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu.
UNISFA, established in 2011, is tasked with maintaining peace and stability in the disputed Abyei region along the Sudan–South Sudan border. Lt Gen Shrestha is expected to take command as the mission continues its mandate to safeguard civilians and support security and humanitarian efforts in the area.
