UN envoy for Somalia Catriona Laing to depart amidst tensions with Villa Somalia

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UN envoy for Somalia Catriona Laing to depart amidst tensions with Villa Somalia

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The departure of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Catriona Laing, in May comes after Somali authorities requested the UN Secretary-General to replace her.

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The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Catriona Laing.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The departure of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Catriona Laing, in May comes after Somali authorities requested the UN Secretary-General to replace her.

Kaab TV has reported that Villa Somalia expressed dissatisfaction with Laing’s active engagements, including her briefings to the UN Security Council on issues such as Laascaanood, disputes regarding the constitution, and her advocacy for the protection of women and girls. They perceived her bold engagement as provocative.

Mrs. Laing, a seasoned diplomat from the UK, has served as the Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia since early May 2023.

The UN office has confirmed Ambassador Laing’s expected departure.

"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 – for me, Somalia is a place of hope and friendship, and I will continue to support and advocate for Somalia wherever I am,” said Ms. Laing, who also serves as the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The one-year assignment of the UN Special Representative ends on 21 May. Ambassador Laing becomes the second UN envoy in the country to leave following a fallout with Villa Somalia.

In January 2019, UN envoy Nicholas Haysom was expelled after criticizing the killing of civilians in Baidoa.

Currently, Somalia faces serious division following the change of the constitution and the growing insecurity that has allowed Al-Shabaab to regain strength.