UN envoy Catriona Laing showcases accomplishments and outlines next steps as term in Somalia concludes
In Dhusamareb, as her term nears completion, the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing, highlighted achievements and set ambitious goals for the future of the country, specifically focusing on women’s rights. While visiting Galmudug, Laing praised significant advancements and emphasized the UN’s ongoing support for the region’s progress.
Laing announced the construction of a new UN office in Dhusamareb as a strategic move to strengthen collaboration between the UN and the Galmudug government. This facility will accommodate various UN agencies, such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, all working in harmony to aid local development initiatives.
She applauded Galmudug for being the first Federal Member State in Somalia to ban all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM). This milestone legislation was a result of joint efforts by the local government and committed activists, marking a significant stride in protecting women’s rights in the region.
Looking forward, Laing outlined three main objectives: effective enforcement of the anti-FGM law, extending legislative reforms to other states, and positioning Somalia as a global leader in combating FGM. Despite her upcoming departure, Laing promised to continue supporting Somalia’s initiatives, especially through advocacy in the Somali diaspora.
Throughout her leadership, Somalia witnessed strategic transformations and increased collaboration with international partners. Her term overlapped with discussions on the future of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), as Somalia aims to wrap up the mission by October 2024 and secure a seat on the UN Security Council. The Somali government formally requested the UN to begin planning a transition from a political mission to a development-oriented UN Country Team, signifying a shift towards nation-building efforts.
Compared to her predecessors, Laing’s tenure as a UN Special Representative to Somalia was notably brief, with reasons for her early exit remaining unclear.
UNSOM has played a vital role in advising the federal government and supporting a 14,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force known as ATMIS. This force is scheduled to withdraw and hand over security responsibilities to Somali authorities by the end of the year. The conclusion of UNSOM, repeatedly renewed by Security Council resolutions since its establishment in 2013, signifies a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey towards self-governance.
