Youssou N’Dour steps down as UN ambassador


The UN Children’s Agency has thanked Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour as they let him go after 20 years of service as an Ambassador for UNICEF.

He stepped down temporarily to pursue his ambitions of being elected president of Senegal in the upcoming General elections.

Because his work has been invaluable at UNICEF, the organization might take him back if his political ambitions back-fire.

According to UNICEF policy, politicians or those seeking public office cannot serve as Goodwill Ambassadors for the organization.

N’Dour announced his intention to vie against Abdoulaye Wade last weekend, in an address broadcast on his television station.

He was appointed an ambassador on April 3, 2011 and most recently visited children at the Dadaab refugee camp in North-eastern Kenya.

His visit coincided with those of several other celebrities, highlighting the plight of famine and drought in the Horn of Africa region.

As a long time anti-malaria activist, N’Dour created Senegal Surround Sound, an innovative initiative that combines the influence and power of the entertainment industry, media, marketing and political assets to reach individuals and communities with malaria education and activities.

So far, the music icon is calling on world leaders to pressure Wade to abandon his plans to run for a third term in the February 26 election.

He promises to bring a “new approach and new vision” to the country.

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