Brussels, 16 February 2016/ ACP: The Management and Staff of the ACP Secretariat mourned the loss of fellow staff member Mrs. Irène Handane (pictured), who passed away on 6th February 2016.

In a special ceremony, colleagues remembered Mrs. Handane, a national of Mali, who committed more than 24 years in service to the ACP Group of States as an Interpreter (English to French).

Mrs Handane made her mark as a passionate, committed and punctual professional since she began working at the ACP Secretariat on 1st July 1991. She was well-respected by colleagues as well as external collaborators, with whom she forged long-lasting friendships over the course of her admirable career.

“Irene dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to the service of this organisation, and must be recognised with the highest esteem and appreciation. People like her make the ACP Secretariat a family, and we celebrate the energy and strength that she brought to this family, which will continue to inspire us for a long time to come,” stated Acting Secretary General of the ACP Group, Mr. Viwanou Gnassounou.

A service in her honour was held on Thursday 11th February in Brussels, in the presence of the Ambassador of Mali H.E Mr. Sékou dit Gaoussou Cissé and the Ambassador of Senegal H.E. Mr. Amadou Diop, along with family, friends and many of her colleagues.

A representative of the ACP Secretary General accompanied her remains to Senegal, where she had been raised, and she was buried on 13th February 2016.

Mrs. Handane is survived by one son.

– Press ACP