When Cong Guang steps off South Sudan’s soil and into his new role as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, he carries with him hard-earned lessons from his time as Deputy Head of Mission at UNMISS. Over the past years, he has navigated complex peacebuilding efforts, tackled resource challenges, and fostered partnerships that keep the hope for lasting stability alive in one of the world’s youngest nations.
UNMISS’s mandate has always been clear: protect civilians, support political dialogue, and monitor human rights. Yet on the ground, Cong saw how fragile alliances, local conflicts, and logistical hurdles can test even the strongest mandates. “Building trust is more than signing agreements,” he told us in a CGTN interview. “It’s about listening to communities and staying the course when tensions rise.”
Through UNMISS, Cong Guang joined forces with South Sudan authorities, regional bodies, and NGOs to launch joint patrols, early-warning systems, and community forums. These initiatives helped reduce intercommunal clashes by creating channels for dialogue and rapid response teams. He also backed projects that empower young entrepreneurs, channeling digital solutions into remote areas.
Looking ahead to the Horn of Africa, Cong Guang plans to amplify these approaches across multiple countries. With mobile connectivity on the rise and youth populations booming, he sees a unique moment to blend peace efforts with sustainable development. “We can’t separate security from economic opportunity,” he says. “When people see real jobs, real schools, and real infrastructure, the peace takes root.”
As Special Envoy, Cong will coordinate with IGAD, the African Union, and UN agencies to tackle cross-border challenges—from climate shocks to migration flows. His ambition? To build on South Sudan’s fragile gains and spark a ripple effect of stability and growth from Djibouti to Mogadishu.
For young global citizens and changemakers, Cong Guang’s journey underscores a simple truth: impactful peace work is as much about data-driven insights and digital tools as it is about empathy and local buy-in. And as he charts his next chapter, the Horn of Africa might just be poised for its own breakthrough moment.
Reference(s):
From South Sudan to the Horn of Africa: CGTN Interview with Cong Guang
cgtn.com
