AMBASSADOR RATENG OGEGO APPOINTED KENYA’S REPRESENTATIVE TO CPA COMMISSION

Written by mfaadmin

Amb. Peter Rateng Ogego

Kenya’s former Ambassador to Washington, Peter Rateng Ogego has been appointed to take up the position of the Deputy Chair of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) was established in 2005 in accordance with the CPA, and tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and supporting all activities that will move forward the speedy implementation of the CPA during the Interim Period of six years leading to referendum on self determination for Southern Sudan. The referendum is scheduled to be held on 9th January, 2011. The AEC is composed of representatives of two parties in Sudan, the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM)); Kenya and Ethiopia representing the International Authority on Development (IGAD); the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, Italy and Norway. The United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League and the European Union have observer status. The AEC has offices in Khartoum and Juba. The Commission holds monthly plenary sessions attended by all members, after which the Chairperson submits his assessments and findings to the Sudanese Presidency. Following the formalization of AEC operations in 2005, Norway was selected to Chair the Commission, while Kenya was nominated as the Deputy Chair. Ambassador Tom Vraalsen of Norway served as the Commission’s Chair up to 2008. The Current Chair is Sir Derek Plumbly of the United Kingdom. Prior to the appointment of Ambassador Ogego, Kenya’s Ambassador to Khartoum, H.E. Ambassador Robert Ngesu occupied the Deputy Chair position in acting capacity. Ambassador Ogego has served as Kenya’s Ambassador to Washington since 2006. He has also served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada, among other diplomatic assignments. Ambassador Ogego has had a long career in Public Service, and has held several senior positions in the Office of the President in Nairobi. He also has a rich background in the civil society, having worked as a consultant for various organizations in Nairobi, including donor agencies. Ambassador Ogego holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Law and a master’s degree in Public Organization and Management from Makerere University. He also holds a graduate certificate in Development Law, Human rights and social justice from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. Kenya has invested a considerable amount of resources in the Sudan Peace Process which culminated in the signing of the CPA in 2005. Consequently, Kenya has remained seized with the process, urging both parties to move with speed towards the implementation of the outstanding protocols to achieve lasting peace in Sudan.