Ghana Peace
The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Peace Operations – Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded a high-level two-day visit to Syria and the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Area of Responsibility, reinforcing UN commitment to peacekeeping operations in one of the most complex security environments in the world.
During the visit from 20 to 21 June 2025, Mr. Lacroix held a town hall meeting with UNDOF personnel, where he addressed the operational challenges facing the mission, and commended its adaptability in the face of mounting complexities.
In a candid discussion with peacekeepers, the USG also outlined the serious financial challenges confronting UN peacekeeping operations globally, providing a detailed explanation of the current liquidity crisis affecting the organization.
He specifically highlighted concerns regarding potential United States of America non-payment of peacekeeping contributions, which could severely impact UNDOF and other missions’ operational capabilities.
The engagement offered peacekeepers a rare opportunity to interact directly with UN leadership, exchange perspectives, and receive strategic direction from the UN Headquarters on navigating both operational and financial challenges.
Accompanied by the Head of Mission and Force Commander – Major General (Maj Gen) Anita Asmah, Mr. Lacroix also held a series of high-level diplomatic meetings in Damascus, which included talks with the Syrian Minister of Defence – Maj Gen Murhaf Abu Qasra, at the Ministry of Defence.
The discussions focused on enhancing operational coordination and reaffirmed the value of maintaining a professional and constructive dialogue between UNDOF and Syrian security forces.
The visit culminated in a historic meeting on 21 June at the Presidential Palace, where Mr. Lacroix and Maj Gen Asmah met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first official engagement between senior UN peacekeeping leadership and Syria’s transitional head of state, since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
The discussions centered on strengthening cooperation with UNDOF and reviving full mandate implementation, with both sides emphasizing the necessity of cooperation, coordination, and collaboration during Syria’s transitional period.
During the meeting, Mr. Lacroix also addressed the broader financial challenges facing UN peacekeeping operations, including the critical liquidity crisis that threatens operational sustainability.
He emphasized to President al-Sharaa that any potential budgetary reductions to UNDOF or other peacekeeping missions, would constitute financial constraints rather than political disengagement from the region.
The USG stressed the importance of Syrian authorities understanding that such measures, if they become necessary, should not be misinterpreted as diminished UN commitment to peacekeeping in the Golan Heights or reduced support for Syria’s transitional process.
President al-Sharaa, who assumed office in January 2025, has been working to consolidate his government’s legitimacy amid ongoing regional tensions, and his engagement with UN leadership represents a significant diplomatic milestone in Syria’s ongoing political transition.
For UNDOF, the USG’s visit and subsequent discussions enhance direct liaison mechanisms with Syria’s transitional government, potentially opening new avenues for cooperation in regional stability efforts, and also highlights the strategic importance of senior-level engagement in peacekeeping, and the indispensable role of UNDOF in preserving calm along the ceasefire lines.
Maj Gen Anita Asmah’s leadership throughout the visit was instrumental in ensuring that UNDOF’s priorities were clearly articulated and well-received, her presence also underscored the professionalism and global relevance of Ghana’s contributions to UN peacekeeping.
As tensions in the region persist, the diplomatic foundation laid during this visit will be crucial in supporting mandate delivery and sustaining peace in the Golan Heights, for the mission remains poised to leverage this momentum under Maj Gen Asmah’s leadership, reinforcing UNDOF’s role as a stabilizing force in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Credit: HQ, UNDOF
