Expelled Ugandan replaced in AMISOM

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Commission [AUC] under Moussa Faki has implemented new changes in the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM], which is mandated to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

During the 35th Ordinary Session of AU Head of States, the AUC announced that Fiona Lortan, a South African diplomat, will be the new Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson or the African Union Commission Head of Mission [DRSCC] in Somalia.

Ms. Lortan effectively takes over from Simon Mulongo, a Ugandan who had been linked to Somalia's internal politics until his expulsion from the country last year. She will be deputizing Ambassador Fransisco Madeira, a Mozambique national.

Mulongo, a close ally of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, was expelled in November 2021 over allegations that he was involved in activities that were contrary to AMISOM's mandate in Somalia and which could compromise the country's national security.

Until her appointment, Ms. Lortan was the Acting Director for Conflict Management in the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department [PAPS]. This is a very important department in the union, which looks at matters security across the continent.

The AUC insisted that it has the utmost confidence in Fiona to take a wealth of experience to the position which will play an important role in the transition phase of the African Union’s commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Somalia.

While congratulating Fiona, the African Union Commissioner, H .E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said that the incoming Representative will “among many other tasks, work to help the African Union to deliver on all that is required to end AMISOM and follow through on ongoing preparations for the mandate, composition, size, and structure of a proposed new mission in Somalia,”.

Lortan goes to Somalia at the time the country is struggling to conclude Lower House elections before it proceeds to presidential polls. Former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former PM Hassan Ali Khaire will be running against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.

Her deployment also comes at the time the African Union is working with the Somalia government to restructure the AMISOM mission. Already, the two parties have tentatively agreed to have a joint mission with the United Nations which will last for 33 months.

GAROWE ONLINE