by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
UN GATE, Nov 4 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? A continuing example is his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. A week ago, Inner City Press published this from a UN whistleblower:
"Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:
Leda Limann, a once unassuming Chief of Staff, has orchestrated a remarkable rise from P-3 to D-2 within the United Nations hierarchy—an ascent bolstered by a network of influence and high-level maneuvering. Central to this elevation was a former Chief of Staff, Paul Egunsola,a Nigerian, an ally who controversially extended his tenure beyond the UN’s mandatory retirement age of 65. The exceptional extension was reportedly arranged to secure Limann’s placement at the D-2 level, positioning her as his natural successor in UNMISS. Even after stepping down, this former Chief of Staff continues to wield influence from the sidelines, recommending candidates and securing consultancy roles.
It is rumored that he is now lobbying for Leda to replace the current Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas Haysom, whose apparent deference to Leda has raised eyebrows. Insiders claim she not only drafts but also signs correspondence on his behalf, highlighting the extent of her authority. Leda's influence permeates personnel matters, with significant control over staff fates, including dismissals. Her power has been called into question amidst a recent dispute with a principal advisor of SRSG, leading to claims that she engineered a sexual misconduct scandal to discredit him. Described as unrelenting and ruthless by colleagues, Leda allegedly instructs the Chief of Conduct and Discipline on whom to shield or penalize, depending on her interests. Her selective protectionism is well-documented. During Stephanie Scheer and Jennie Frazer’s administration, Limann intervened to save Frederick SSAI from dismissal. However, when her position appeared threatened, her loyalties shifted. Botswana diplomat Boitshoko Mokgathe and staffer Aggrey Kedogo have both suffered from these abrupt reversals.
Even as Kedogo faced suspension amid an investigation, whispers suggest Leda made private entreaties to Under-Secretary-General Catherine Pollard to save him—an illustration of her capricious approach. The declining health of SRSG Haysom, burdened by age and cardiac complications, has only cemented Leda's grip on power. With Haysom increasingly incapacitated, she has assumed de facto control, signing documents on his behalf, which has sparked criticism of oversight failures in New York. Allegations of recruitment corruption, bribe-taking, and romantic entanglements involving Leda and senior figures further complicate the picture. Among staff, tales of Leda's dual nature have become the stuff of legend.
Known as a Pastor and to preach Scripture around the compound, she often quotes passages like John 15:12-13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Yet, her actions paint a different story. One staff member relayed a vivid metaphor: a devil, it was said, wept at her skill in projecting goodness while harbouring a perilous inner resolve. Despite widespread unease, Leda’s support from influential figures in New York, such as Stephanie Scheer, Jennie Frazer, and her former Chief of Staff, remains unshaken. Allegiances forged in Darfur with confidants like Aggrey and Victoria continue to shield her from scrutiny. Many staff question whether the entrenched power dynamics and the “deep-seat” circle of protectors will ever be dismantled, or if Leda’s unchecked influence will persist. It remains a troubling paradox: a figure who, while wielding absolute power over others’ careers, presents herself as a humble servant seeking justice.
USG Catherine Pollard held a town hall meeting with UNMISS staff today. However, questions were only taken from a selected group of management, while the majority of staff were sidelined.
And no answers from Spox Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming
We will have more on this.
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