Major General Evan Williams of the New Zealand Army believes that empathy, humility, patience, and perseverance are crucial for working in the Middle East. These qualities have been instrumental in his role as force commander for the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. His work has led to him being named an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 New Year Honours.
The MFO, which includes about 1100 international military personnel and 700 local civilian staff, monitors the security provisions of the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. Major General Williams is preparing to retire after more than 39 years in the NZ Army, where he held numerous leadership roles in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Major General Williams, who is from Te Aroha, began his MFO role in late 2019 and planned to retire in September 2023. However, the MFO asked him to stay on as force commander until March 2024. He believes that mastering empathy, humility, patience, and perseverance is key to being a successful force commander.
His leadership was crucial as the MFO continued operations despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic and an ongoing ISIS-led insurgency. He also worked hard to build trust with the Egyptian and Israeli militaries. His strategic leadership and diplomatic skills were evident when he helped negotiate only the third amendment to the Treaty of Peace in its 40-year history, earning him praise and recognition.
Major General Williams says that managing strategic relationships is his main focus, and he relies on his skilled staff officers for detailed work. He describes the MFO as a world-class peacekeeping operation working with two proud and culturally different nations in a complex environment.
Sadly, Major General Williams’ wife Kristin passed away from cancer at the end of 2021. She played a significant role in the MFO leadership team and was known for her empathy and generosity. Despite his loss, Major General Williams chose to remain in command and accepted the role extension to complete important initiatives. He feels that finishing his career in this way honors his wife’s wishes.
