Major General Anita Asmah: First African Woman Appointed UNDOF Force Commander

On December 11, 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced a groundbreaking appointment: Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana would take command of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). This historic development makes her the first African woman ever to serve as a UN Force Commander.

A Leader Steeped in Experience

Born in February 1965, Asmah comes from a military family—her father was a colonel, and she is one of six sibling. Educated at the prestigious Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages (including English, French, and Arabic) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ghana, followed by a legal practicing certificate. She also holds military professional qualifications, such as Mission Training Officer training in Croatia and a Women in Leadership course at Kennesaw State University in the United States.

Commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces in 1992, Asmah carved a notable career over the following decades. She served in leadership roles—including Director of Education, Deputy Military Secretary, and Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. She engaged in peacekeeping across Africa: most notably as a Military Observer in Congo (2003–04) and Staff Officer with UNIFIL in Lebanon (2012–13, 2015–16) .

Rising Through UNDOF’s Ranks

Asmah’s path within UNDOF is marked by progressive responsibility. From 2021 to 2023, she served as UNDOF’s Deputy Force Commander. During a leadership transition between July and November 2022, she stepped up as Acting Force Commander.
Then, in a landmark move on December 11, 2024, Secretary-General Guterres formally selected her as Head of Mission and Force Commander. She then officially assumed command during the transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Faouar, Golan Heights, on February 4, 2025, succeeding Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal.

A Record-breaking Appointment

Asmah’s appointment is historic on two fronts: she is Ghana’s senior uniformed officer to lead a major UN mission, and critically, she is the first African woman ever to attain that level of UN peacekeeping command—shattering a glass ceiling in gender and geographic representation .

A Mission Defined by Complexity

UNDOF, established in 1974 after the Yom Kippur War, is tasked with maintaining the ceasefire along the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria. This volatile region is known for rugged terrain, extreme weather, and ongoing geopolitical strain.
Asmah has acknowledged these challenges, yet she remains optimistic, citing the mission’s resilient personnel and her belief in tactful diplomacy to carry UNDOF’s goals forward.

A Champion for Gender Equity

In her impactful statements, Asmah praised the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028), applauding its role in increasing women’s representation in UN missions. She emphasized the importance of incentives to elevate women into senior roles, urging female officers to “excel in our responsibilities… to pave the way for more women to take on command positions”.
Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye—a former deputy commander of MINURSO—applauded Asmah’s appointment as “a significant milestone for gender parity,” saying it “highlights Ghana’s commitment to inclusion… setting an example for Africa”.

The Ghanaian Perspective

For Ghanaians, Asmah’s elevation is a proud moment. A graduate of Aburi Girls’, fluent in English and French, and holder of dual degrees, she represents aspiration and opportunity. With over 31 years of service, she will turn 60 in February 2025 as she begins her historic command.

Charting a New Path

Asmah’s journey melds deep operational experience with thoughtful advocacy. Her command of UNDOF signals a shift toward inclusive leadership in peace operations—affirming that leadership in conflict zones knows no gender.
Her success affirms a broader trend: as the UN moves toward its 2030 gender parity goal, nations like Ghana are producing female leaders capable of steering global security efforts.

Looking Ahead

As Major General Asmah takes up her post in early 2025, the international community will watch carefully. Her tenure will test the impacts of gender-integrated command, regional diplomacy, and operational adaptability in one of the world’s most sensitive theatres. But above all, her appointment stands as a beacon—proof that with expertise, dedication, and courage, women can command peace in the most challenging environments.

Key Dates & Milestone

• Feb 1965 – Born in Ghana; military family upbringing
• 1992 – Commissioned into Ghana Armed Forces
• 2003–04 – Military Observer, DRC Mission
• 2012–13; 2015–16 – Staff Officer, UNIFIL (Lebanon)
• 2021–23 – Deputy Force Commander, UNDOF
• July–Nov 2022 – Acting Force Commander, UNDOF
• Dec 11, 2024 – Appointed Force Commander of UNDOF
• Feb 4, 2025 – Formal handover at Camp Faouar

Major General Anita Asmah’s ascension marks not just personal triumph, but a milestone for Africa and the UN alike—a powerful testament that women are essential architects of global peace.