Catriona Laing set for leave Somalia as UN special envoy

MOGADISHU, Somalia - United Nations Special Representative to Somalia Catriona Laing is set to end her tour of duty in Somalia after two years of service having been appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in 2023, at the time the country is undergoing a rebuilding process.

Catriona Laing has been part of the nation-building team, representing the interests of the United Nations which is a major development and security partner of the Horn of Africa nation which is still undergoing stabilisation.

"I have full confidence that Somalia will succeed and that the African Union and United Nations, along with our international partners, will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Somalis on their path to peace and stability," she stated.

"For me, Somalia is a place of hope and friendship, and I will continue to support and advocate for Somalia wherever I am."

She expressed optimism that Somalia is on the right path despite stabilization challenges triggered by internal political wrangles and terrorism. Somalia has been fighting Al-Shabab for the last two decades, with the group threatening to overthrow the government.

"I have full confidence that Somalia will succeed and that the African Union and United Nations, along with our international partners, will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Somalis on their path to peace and stability," she stated. "For me, Somalia is a place of hope and friendship, and I will continue to support and advocate for Somalia wherever I am."

Laing's tenure as a UN Special Representative to Somalia was notably shorter than those of her predecessors, some of whom served up to three years. The reasons for her early departure remain unclear.

The United Nations is overseeing stabilization processes in Somalia and has managed significant progress over a long time. Catriona Laing leaves next month having managed to instill order in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE