Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus appointed deputy director-general of Chemical Weapons Organisation
Former ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus has been appointed as deputy director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons OPCW, an international body established in 1997 to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced her appointment, stating that Kaapanda-Girnus will serve as the second most senior official of the organization. She previously served as ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and was Namibia’s head of mission to the European Union, also representing the country at the OPCW. The ministry highlighted this appointment as an honor for Namibia and an affirmation of the international community's confidence in Namibia's expertise, integrity, and commitment to global peace and disarmament. It also noted that this reflects Namibia's reputation as a trusted and responsible member of the international community. The ministry expressed confidence that Kaapanda-Girnus will fulfill her responsibilities with distinction and diligence, and reiterated its support for the OPCW's mandate to uphold the global norm against chemical weapons and promote international peace and security.
