The United Nations has appointed Nigerian diplomat Ozonnia Ojielo as its new Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, marking a key leadership role in one of Africa’s most complex development and humanitarian landscapes.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the appointment took effect on March 14, following approval by the Ethiopian government.
Ojielo will lead and coordinate the activities of the UN system in Ethiopia while also overseeing humanitarian operations, a dual role that places him at the centre of development, crisis response and policy engagement in the country.
He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning sustainable development, governance, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, having worked across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Before the new appointment, Ojielo served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, where he led the UN country team and worked closely with government and development partners to advance national priorities.
He previously held a similar role in Kyrgyzstan and has served in senior leadership positions within the United Nations Development Programme, including as Cluster Director for Governance and Peacebuilding at its Regional Service Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa.
Ojielo also served as Director for Conflict Prevention and Recovery at UNDP headquarters in New York, alongside earlier roles in Kenya and Ghana.
Before joining the United Nations, he worked as a lawyer, lecturer and journalist, and advised truth and reconciliation commissions and human rights institutions across several African countries, including Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
He is also the founder of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators and has authored multiple academic and policy publications.
Ojielo holds a PhD in peace and conflict studies from the University of Ibadan, along with advanced degrees in management and history.
His appointment comes as Ethiopia continues to navigate complex humanitarian and development challenges, placing renewed focus on coordinated international support and conflict-sensitive development strategies.
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