4 November 2022 | UNDSS Comms
Meet Mr. Alioune Dieng, a Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) based in the Central African Republic. He has been on a surge mission in Northern Ethiopia supporting the UNDSS mandate in the country for the last one year. Mr. Dieng joined the UN 14 years ago and has been to different frontlines in Afghanistan, Chad, South Sudan, and West Sahara among many others. As part of the larger UNDSS team in Tigray, Ethiopia, he supports 13 UN entities with over 500 personnel and over 24 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). He tells us about his frontline experience.
What is your main role as an FSCO?
It is to support the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations operating in Tigray through trusted security leadership. The provision of practical solutions enables the entities to undertake their mandate within acceptable risk levels to reach those in need. The support also covers (INGOs) under the Saving Lives Together Framework.
What is the biggest issue in Tigray?
There has been an ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People Liberation Front. The armed conflict has resulted in the internal displacement of more than 2.5 million people. A combination of conflict and drought has led to increased humanitarian needs in the Northern Part of the country, so we must stay and deliver despite the security challenges.
How is this conflict affecting UN operations in the area?
At some point, there was a closure of the region which heavily affected road movement for several months. This had a direct impact on UN operations since humanitarian agencies could not bring in relief supplies, nor could they access the people most in need due to the high risks involved.
How is the Tigrayan conflict different from others that you have supported in your career?
This one is completely different on many fronts. Here, the capacity of the UN to respond is really limited. For instance, with the restrictions in in place, the UN cannot bring in supplies and equipment to effectively serve the affected population. Besides, the inability to move freely within the operational area sets this mission apart from many others that I have previously supported.
What services is UNDSS offering on the ground?
Given the volatility of the region, all UN operations start and end with security. Differently put, the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes cannot conduct any operation, any movement, or any programme without prior assessment by UNDSS. So, we normally collaborate with counterparts from the UN entities to understand their programme plans and movement. As such, we do security risk assessments and guide them appropriately depending on the prevailing situation.
Tell us of a useful product that UNDSS is using to support humanitarian missions?
I could say during the retreat of the Tigrayan Forces early this year. We had to undertake a road assessment on all access points of the vast region and make recommendations to the humanitarian agencies. We developed an access map which we shared with the Access Working Group, a multi-agency cluster comprising UN agencies and NGOs. This has proved fruitful in planning for humanitarian missions since we update it weekly.
How is it to work in the frontline, away from your family?
It is not easy, especially in a frontline with limited communication. Sometimes, the family gets to hear of air strikes in the media and they get super worried when they cannot reach you. But I think my family is slowly getting used to this kind of job and are coping. I also have a seven-year-old daughter who keeps asking me when I am going back home. So, I grab every opportunity I get to talk to her for reassurance.
What keeps you going to do this kind of job?
The work of the UNDSS involves more than just safety and security; occasionally, you must act with compassion. With our beneficiaries, we must communicate our emotions and hopes. For me, witnessing that individuals in need have received assistance motivates me to do more. I spend time talking to the affected groups and helping them feel confident, which is important for their mental health. Therefore, the work is incredibly engaging and interesting from a human perspective.
What is your most memorable moment in Tigray?
I will never forget a close shave with an airstrike. We had gone for an assessment after an airstrike in Mekelle. As part of the procedure, we had conversations with the affected community to identify the number of casualties and to understand the extent of the damage to inform our security reports. Five minutes after our departure, the second airstrike hit the same spot where we were, killing ten people instantly. The same people we had just talked to, it was heartbreaking.
When not in the frontline, what are you doing?
Probably watching the English Premiere League, reading, or watching a movie.
How do you take care of your mental health?
My family and friends always question me when I return home why I don't lose weight while living in a conflict zone. My response is typically that I will never lose weight due to stress because I have already registered it in my head. Having the right willpower is where I believe mental health begins, even though it's never simple.