UNSG Ban Ki-moon appoints Martin Kobler of Germany as his Special Representative in the DRC

10 juin 2013

UNSG Ban Ki-moon appoints Martin Kobler of Germany as his Special Representative in the DRC

New York, 10 June 2013 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Martin Kobler of Germany as his Special Representative for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The new Special Representative succeeds Mr. Roger Meece of the United States who will complete his assignment in July. The Secretary-General is grateful for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service for the past three years in supporting the implementation of MONUSCO's mandate.

Mr. Kobler brings with him a vast experience in shaping international policies in conflict areas with more than 25 years in his country's Foreign Service and as a Senior United Nations Official. Prior to becoming Special Representative in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Mr. Kobler served as Deputy Special Representative with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) from 2010 to 2011. He previously served as Director-General for Culture and Communication in Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was Ambassador to Iraq and Egypt.

Mr. Kobler was Chef de Cabinet to former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer from 2000 to 2003, and Deputy Chef de Cabinet from 1998 to 2000. From 1997 to 1998, he was Deputy Head of the Foreign Ministry's Balkan Task Force, prior to which he established the German representation with the Palestinian Authority in Jericho.

Mr. Kobler holds a Law Degree from the University of Bonn.

Born in 1953, he is married and has three children.

New York
10 June 2013