Chrysantus Ache

Chrysantus Ache was born on 12 September 1954 to Tata Ache-Ngwing Akuabang and Mama Njong Paulina Tanni in Bamunkumbit, Cameroon. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws and Economic Sciences degree - LLB (Licence en droit et es-Sciences Économiques) from the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In pursuit of his educational ambitions, he proceeded to the USA for graduate studies, where he obtained a Master of Laws degree (LLM) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, with cross-registration for finance courses at the Wharton School, Philadelphia, in 1981. He subsequently applied to and was admitted to his dream school, the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, MA, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) degree with cross-registration for management courses at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 1983.

Following his graduation from Fletcher, Ache joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). His 31-year tenure with the UNHCR took him to 16 African countries, where he made significant contributions to addressing refugee crises, promoting peace, and providing leadership and safe havens for refugees from war-torn nations like Sierra Leone, Burundi, Sudan, Somalia, DR Congo etc.

Ache's book, "TREASURES OF A LIFETIME," chronicles his UNHCR journey, offering a detailed historical account of his work in Africa. As an impartial observer, he shares his experiences, demonstrating the power of human empathy and his unwavering commitment to making a difference. His story is a testament to the transformative power of hope, sacrifice, and service and serves as a poignant tribute to the countless lives he has touched.

Through his work, Ache provides valuable insights into Africa's wars, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and cultural heritage. Ache's dedication to humanitarian work is inspiring, and his legacy is a source of pride for the continent the UNHCR organisation.

In 2009, he championed a significant change in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through the establishment of the first-fully fledged UNHCR Representation to the AU and ECA (RAUECA). This pioneering initiative marked a crucial step in fostering cooperation and strengthening ties between United Nations Refugee Agency, United Nations Economic for Africa and key African Union entities.

The RAUECA played a vital role in support of the AU's agenda 2063 on economic development, social progress, and integration across Africa.

He offers a glimpse into African antiquities, showcasing the collector’s passion for preserving the continent’s cultural heritage and celebrating its legacy. Ache provides insight into African geography and culture, highlighting the significance of his artifacts, which include maps, sculptures, masks, and tools that shape African ways of life. These sculptures span sacred and mundane themes, from ritual figures to decorative pieces, showcasing the varied visual language and materials of African art."

He is fluent in English and French, with conversational ability in Spanish and Kiswahili.