MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – According to the Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq the Secretary-General “intends to appoint in due course a new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM.”
In a statement, the deputy spokesman said UN Secretary-General said Somali president told UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday that he will not reverse a decision to expel a UN envoy who raised human rights concerns.
Guterres spoke by phone with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Friday – his second call to the Somali leader in three days – to once again urge him to change his mind, according to diplomats.
“Guterres “deeply regrets” Somalia’s decision,” said the UN Deputy Spokesman. “He nevertheless intends to appoint a new UN envoy.”
“At the same time, the Secretary-General is committed to ensuring that the needs of the Somali people are at the forefront of the work of the United Nations in Somalia. UNSOM needs to be able to carry out in the most effective manner its mandate to support the country. Therefore, he intends to appoint in due course a new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM,” the statement reads in part.
Haysom, a South African lawyer and experienced diplomat, was told to leave Somalia on Tuesday after he questioned the government’s decision to arrest former Al-Shabab Deputy who was running for Southwest elections.
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