Former UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Haysom dies at 73

NEW YORK — Nicholas Haysom, a veteran South African diplomat and senior United Nations envoy to Somalia, has died in New York at the age of 73, according to officials.

Haysom most recently served as the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for South Sudan, capping a decades-long career in diplomacy, peacebuilding and constitutional law.

Affectionately known as “Fink,” Haysom played a key role in South Africa’s transition to democracy, serving as chief legal and constitutional adviser to former president Nelson Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

He later held several prominent roles in regional peace efforts, including chairing the committee on constitutional issues during the Burundi peace process under Mandela’s facilitation until 2002, and serving as principal adviser in the Sudan peace process until 2005.

Haysom went on to hold a series of senior UN positions, including assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, as well as special envoy roles for Sudan and South Sudan. He also led the UN Mission in South Sudan, his final official post.

In addition, he served as director for political, peacebuilding and humanitarian affairs in the executive office of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Colleagues and officials paid tribute to Haysom’s long service and contributions to international diplomacy and conflict resolution.

GAROWE ONLINE