Somalia president bids farewell to outgoing UN special representative Catriona Laing

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has held a farewell meeting for the outgoing United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing, at his office in Mogadishu.

During the meeting, the President praised Laing for her pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between Somalia and the United Nations during her tenure.

The outgoing United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing discussed international support for the country’s state- and peace-building, including the security transition from ATMIS to Somalian Forces, and regional developments. She also commended the President for his leadership of the country on its path to peace and prosperity.

According to the United Nations, Catriona Laing, the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia, will end her year-long tenure on May 21, 2024, Laing was appointed in 2023 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 3 May 2023 the appointment of Catriona Laing of the United Kingdom as his new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

She succeeds James Swan of the United States, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and steadfast leadership of UNSOM during his tenure.

Ms. Laing brings to this position over 35 years of experience in diplomacy, development and international relations, including having held United Kingdom government policy roles in various departments at the national and international levels