Namibia leads chemical weapons organisation

Namibia has secured one of the highest positions in global disarmament after Ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus was appointed Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), effective 25 July 2026.

The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced the appointment on Saturday, saying it is a proud moment for Namibia and a sign of the country’s growing standing in international diplomacy.

In her new role, Kaapanda-Girnus will serve as the second most senior official at the OPCW, the international body responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention and overseeing global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

The organisation has 193 member states and works to ensure that chemical weapons are permanently and verifiably destroyed.