Mr Hubertus von Welck's Retirement From Freedom Service Honored [2016]

"On behalf of the President of the Republic, I hereby give you the Ivorian Order of Merit with the rank of an officer," said Juventur d'Ivoires, Sidi Touré, on the evening of 15 August 2016 in Johannesburg. Hubertus von Welck was awarded the Ivorian Order of Merit on the occasion of his retirement from his role as FNF sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director. 

The "Ordre du Mérite Ivorien" is the second highest order in Côte d'Ivoire and is awarded for special achievements in a public, civil or military office or as a private individual of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. 

With the rank of "Officier", Hubertus von Welck now holds the second highest form of the Order of Merit, alongside the ranks of "Chevalier" and "Commandeur" (commander) in sub-Saharan Africa. This also includes a total of nearly forty years of service to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

Hubertus von Welck, who is equally valued and popular with colleagues and partners, is more than justified to receive the honor of the highest decorations of the Repu Blessed Côte d'Ivoire on the back of his tireless commitment to the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law on the African continent.

The occassion was also to welcome the new FNF sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director Mr Jules Maaten. Mr Jules Maaten served as FNF Philippines Country Director before taking up the new role in sub-Saharan Africa.