MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – James Swan, the newly appointed Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM), arrived in Mogadishu today.
Swan, a seasoned American diplomat, was appointed last month following a dispute between the Somali government and the former UN Mission head, Catriona Laing, a British diplomat who served in the role for only a year.
Laing announced the end of her assignment on 21 May.
In a statement today, the UN Mission in Somalia emphasized Mr. Swan’s commitment to supporting the “Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people to advance their peace, security, development, and state-building priorities.”
Before arriving in Mogadishu, Swan engaged in extensive discussions with UN Headquarters leadership to ensure a smooth transition and alignment of strategic objectives.
Mr. Swan is no stranger to the complexities of Somali politics and development, having previously served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022.
His appointment marks a return to a country where he has significant diplomatic experience and a track record of fostering international cooperation.
In a surprising turn of events, the Somali government announced its intention to terminate the UN Mission in the country. However, this announcement was swiftly retracted just hours later, after the Foreign Minister sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General clarifying the government’s position and commitment to ongoing collaboration with the UN.
As Swan begins his tenure, the focus will be on stabilizing relations and ensuring that UNSOM’s efforts to advancing peace and democracy amidst the country’s ongoing constitutional dispute and political fragmentation that torn the country apart.