AU appoints new diplomat to replace expelled AU envoy

by: Staff Reporter | 07 February 2022 14:35

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AU appoints new diplomat to replace expelled AU envoy

ADDIS ABABA (HORN OBSERVER) - Ms. Fiona Lortan has been appointed as the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) barely months after Somalia declared her predecessor Simon Mulongo persona non by orderi

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ADDIS ABABA (HORN OBSERVER) - Ms. Fiona Lortan has been appointed as the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) barely months after Somalia declared her predecessor Simon Mulongo persona non by ordering him to leave the country within seven days.
In a statement, African Union Commission for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said the new AU Special Representative was until her current appointment, the Acting Director for Conflict Management in the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department (PAPS).

Fiona Lortan replaces Simon Mulongo, who was expelled in November 2021 over accusations that he engaged in activities that ‘contravene AMISOM’s mandate and Somalia’s national security.’

AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Bankole Adeoye underscored the importance of the next few months for AMISOM as the mandate ends on 31st March 2022.

"I would like to thank Ms. Fiona Lortan, for accepting the role as Deputy SRCC during this interim period. Among many other tasks, she will 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," Ambassador Adeoye explained.

Ms. Lortan, a South African national joined the African Union Commission in May 2002 and has worked in various roles in ensuring Peace and Security around the continent.

She was most recently the Acting Director for Conflict Management in the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department (PAPS) and worked assiduously on AMISOM.

She previously worked in Khartoum, Sudan, as a member of the AU High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan and South Sudan, headed by former South Africa President, President Thabo Mbeki.