Membe hails the former UNDP Resident Rep.; calls him ‘a True Agent for Change’

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a photo with Dr. Alberic Kacou, the outgoing Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme and Resident Coordinator of the UN System, here in Tanzania. 

Membe hails the former UNDP Resident Rep.; calls him ‘a True Agent for Change’

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

"You are a giant elephant," said Foreign Minister Bernard K. Membe (MP), praising Dr. Alberic Kacou for his unwavering groundwork during his four-year tenure as a Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme and Resident Coordinator of the UN System, here in Tanzania.    

Minister Membe was speaking before Members of Diplomatic Corps, Heads of the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who had gathered to bid farewell to Dr. Kacou, during the dinner he had hosted yesterday evening at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. 

"He is not only my friend, but he is a friend to many people.  He has dedicated himself to save lives, promote democracy, reduce poverty, all in efforts to usher economic development for one's country," said Minister Membe.  

The Minister further noted that Dr. Kacou's record of accomplishments journey did not only set ground in Tanzania, but rather in other countries as well in Africa.  "He did it in Guinea Bissau, in Nigeria and eventually in Tanzania.  It is that type of committed leader that people need," Minister Membe hailed Dr. Kacou's legacy. 

As you leave Tanzania, continued the Minister, "you are considered to be as a true agent of change as you have embarked on legacy of changing the lives of people," he told the former UNDP-Rep.  

Further to his remarks, Minister Membe also highlighted the notably successful contribution of Dr. Kacou and his UNDP team during the 2010 general elections.  "You took a crucial role during that election, mobilizing people towards free and peaceful elections," said the Minister.   

On his part, Dr. Kacou thanked the Minister for taking his time to bid farewell and for acknowledging his many accomplishments.   "I leave behind a solid framework that has set groundwork towards the 2015 general elections," noted the former UNDP-Rep.   

He further noted that his former UNDP-team here in Tanzania has collaborated closely with the European Union Delegation to march forward the preparation for the 2015 general elections.  "We did it in 2010 elections, and I am confident that my predecessor will spearhead that effort in the upcoming elections," said Dr. Kacou.  

Dr. Kacou was recently appointed to be the UNDP Chief of Staff and Director of the Executive Office in the United Nations Headquarter Office in New York, in the United States. 

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