Abdel Fattah Moussa, a political and diplomatic figure from Ghana, has worked within the United Nations and various international organizations focusing on development and peaceful conflict resolution. Recently, he assumed the leadership of the Political and Security Affairs Commission in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Moussa is known for his opposition to Russian presence in West Africa and has strongly opposed coup attempts in several African nations.
Early Life and Education
Abdel Fattah Moussa was born in Ghana in 1959, just two years after the nation gained independence from Britain. Raised in the city of Tamale, located in the northern region of Ghana where there is a significant Muslim population, he grew up amidst ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity in a country that experienced military rule for many years. These experiences shaped his understanding of the continent’s political landscape and fueled his ambition for political leadership.
Academic Journey
Moussa began his educational journey in Tamale, obtaining his primary school certificate in 1972 and his high school diploma in 1978. He went on to graduate from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree. Subsequently, he pursued his master’s in journalism and communication at Lumonosov State University in Moscow, also achieving a doctorate in international relations and history in 1990. Fluent in five languages – English, Russian, French, Hausa, and Twi – his academic record includes extensive training in legal, humanitarian, and human rights fields.
Political Experience
Having held various positions within the United Nations, international organizations, and regional bodies, Moussa amassed significant experience in politics, diplomacy, and international relations. His role as the Political Director for ECOWAS in 2009 allowed him to contribute to the strategic framework aimed at preventing conflicts and overseeing electoral assessments in West African countries. In addition, he served as a consultant with the Danish International Development Agency, where he gained insight into the root causes of crises, poverty, and security challenges inhibiting development in Africa.
His tenure within the African Union and as the UN’s Africa Division Director enabled deeper involvement across the continent. During ongoing coup trends in Africa, he vocally advocated for countering military forces through economic sanctions and, if necessary, military intervention. After the military coup in Niger on July 26, 2023, Moussa acted within the ECOWAS member countries to activate the organization’s reserve force for potential military intervention.
Roles and Responsibilities
Moussa has been a visiting professor at numerous European and African universities and has held various positions related to peace, security, politics, and conflict resolution in Africa. Notable positions he has held include:
- Political Affairs Director for ECOWAS from 2014 to 2016.
- Consultant and expert at the Danish International Development Agency in 2014.
- Board member of the UN Women’s Agency.
- Board member of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the British-American Security Information Council.
- Deputy Head of the UN Office to the African Union from 2014 to 2016.
- Director of the UN’s Africa Division, overseeing Central, Northern, and Western Africa from March 2016 to December 2018.
- Political and Security Commissioner in ECOWAS from January 2019.
In conclusion, Abdel Fattah Moussa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his newly appointed role as the ECOWAS Political and Security Commissioner, making him a key figure in addressing political and security challenges within the region.
