UN Secratry General Appoints James Swan as acting UN Envoy to Somalia

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed James Swan as the Acting Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

According to a statement from the United Nations, Mr. Swan will serve as the Special Representative for a temporary period following the departure of Catriona Laing of the United Kingdom. The Secretary-General expressed gratitude for her dedicated service in UNSOM and Somalia during a challenging time.

Earlier this month, when Catriona Laing announced her departure after a year-long tenure, the Somalia government called for the dissolution of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) when its mandate expires in October 2024.