KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Bruno Lemarquis, the new Deputy Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Afghanistan, has officially begun his duties.
In a statement released today (Tuesday, June 16), UNAMA said that Mr. Lemarquis had arrived in Kabul and formally assumed his position.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed the French diplomat to the post in early Sawr (April 2026) of the current solar year.
He succeeds Indrika Ratwatte, who had served in the role from late 2023 until now.
The new Deputy Head of UNAMA will be responsible for coordinating the activities of all United Nations agencies, funds, and programs in Afghanistan and will also lead the development section of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Since 2022, Bruno Lemarquis has served as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in that country.
According to UNAMA’s statement, during this period he gained “extensive experience in crisis management, development, reconstruction, humanitarian affairs, and peacebuilding in complex and multidimensional environments.”
UNAMA also stated that Mr. Lemarquis previously served in the United Nations political office in Haiti as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
UNAMA added that he has also worked with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Crisis Prevention Office, and has served in countries including Somalia, Haiti, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Cambodia.
The appointment of Bruno Lemarquis comes shortly after the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to extend UNAMA’s mandate for another year, allowing the mission to continue operating in Afghanistan until June 17, 2027.
The resolution reaffirmed UNAMA’s role as the UN’s main political and humanitarian mission in the country and called for continued engagement with the Taliban on issues including inclusive governance, international obligations, and Afghanistan’s reintegration into the global community. The Security Council also highlighted Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges, urging greater international assistance, support for refugee reintegration, economic recovery, and stronger regional cooperation.
In addition, the appointment of Bruno Lemarquis comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face significant humanitarian and development challenges. As Deputy Head of UNAMA and Humanitarian Coordinator, he is expected to play a key role in coordinating international assistance efforts and supporting cooperation among United Nations agencies operating in the country.
