Kofi Ampeah Woode
Since her historic appointment on December 11, 2024, by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, Major General (Maj Gen) Anita Asmah has hit the ground running as UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Force Commander.
Here’s a detailed look at her transformative activities in February 2025, marking her arrival, engagement, and leadership in the Golan Heights:
- Trip to UN Headquarters, New York – January 2025 (Pre-February Prelude)
Before her official arrival in the Golan, Maj Gen Asmah traveled to UN Headquarters in New York in late January 2025, to meet with Secretary-General António Guterres, in a strategic visit that solidified her mandate, aligning UNDOF’s priorities with global peacekeeping goals.
She discussed the post-Assad transition in Syria, Israeli Defence Force (IDF) activities in the Area of Separation (AOS), and plans to enhance UNDOF’s operational capacity.
- Arrival and Assumption of Command – Early February 2025
On February 3, 2025, Maj Gen Asmah arrived in the Golan Heights, and was received by UNDOF personnel and local representatives, after which she officially took over command from Maj Gen Patrick Gauchat on 7 February 2025, in a ceremonial handover at Camp Faouar.
In her address, she emphasized her commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, the safety of peacekeepers, and the well-being of communities in the region; “I am up to the task”, she affirmed, inspiring confidence in her leadership.
- Visits to UNDOF Area of Responsibility – Mid-February 2025
Maj Gen Asmah embarked on an extensive tour of UNDOF’s operational areas, visiting key units, positions, and observation posts across the AOS, and Area of Limitation (AOL), and on February 10–12, she inspected observation posts in Quneitra, engaging with peacekeepers from Ghana, India, and other contributing nations.
She praised their resilience amid harsh terrain and extreme weather, reinforcing UNDOF’s 40 weekly patrols and plans to scale up to 60, as her visits underscored her hands-on approach to ensuring operational readiness.
- Engagement with Quneitra Governorate Leaders – February 12, 2025
On February 12, 2025, Maj Gen A Asmah made impactful visits to the Deputy Governor of Quneitra – Muhamed Al Saed, and the Chief of Police – Colonel (Col) Abdijalil Al Amouri, in the Golan Heights, at the temporary Quneitra Governorate Building and Police Headquarters in Khan Arnabah, which were focused on strengthening civilian security and fostering trust between UNDOF and local authorities.
General Asmah discussed UNDOF’s role in maintaining stability, addressing local concerns about IDF presence in the Area of Separation, and exploring joint community safety initiatives. Her diplomatic engagement underscored her commitment to supporting Quneitra’s residents amid regional uncertainties.
- Community Engagement and Quick Impact Projects – February 18, 2025
In a heartwarming display of commitment, Maj Gen Asmah joined the Deputy Governor of Quneitra – Muhamed Al Saed, to officially inaugurate a number of Quick Impact Projects which included the renovation of a school, the upgrading of the health center, and the installation of water well transformers for five localities in Jubata Alkhashab and Khan Arnabah.
She thanked local authorities and UNDOF teams for their cooperation, emphasizing UNDOF’s community support initiatives, including school and water supply projects. Posts on X from UNDOF celebrated this milestone, showcasing her dedication to alleviating suffering.
- Meeting with Syrian Transitional Government Defence Minister – February 20, 2025
On February 20, 2025, the UNDOF FC met with Maj Gen Murhaf Abu Qasra – Syria’s Minister of Defence, in Damascus, and this high-level engagement, attended by Acting Chief Mission Support Amedeo Micelli and the UNDOF Chief of Staff – Col William Nii Nortey, which was focused on enhancing cooperation, addressing security incidents in the AOS, and advocating for IDF withdrawal.
She reaffirmed UNDOF’s impartiality and commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, proposing regular coordination channels. Posts on X from UNDOF highlighted this meeting as a pivotal step toward stability.
Maj Gen Asmah’s February activities reflect her strategic vision, diplomatic finesse, and operational leadership, setting a robust foundation for UNDOF’s mission in 2025 and beyond.
Credit: UNDOF HQ
