Nairobi (Somali Standard) – In a significant development highlighting escalating tensions within Somalia’s political landscape, the federal government has taken the unprecedented step of expelling the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy to the country Catriona Laing, accusing her of undue interference in the nation’s internal affairs.
Sources reveal that Somalia initiated its expulsion plans last week, following the submission of a formal complaint letter by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In the letter, the Federal Government of Somalia alleged interference by the envoy, citing a perceived alignment with Puntland, a federal state engaged in a political dispute with the central government.
The catalyst for the expulsion appears to be the envoy’s recent visit to Puntland, where she held discussions with State President Said Deni just two days after the region announced it severed ties with the Somali government over a contentious constitutional amendment.
This move by the envoy is believed to have exacerbated tensions and irked the Somali government.
Somalia has since moved to implement the expulsion, with a subsequent letter addressed to the UN headquarters in New York declaring the head of the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM) persona non grata, effectively barring her from further work in the country.
Laing, a veteran British diplomat has been appointed as the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in May last year
The expulsion occurs against a backdrop of heightened friction between Somalia’s federal government, headquartered in Mogadishu, and the federal states, amid ongoing electoral processes.
In response to Somalia’s initial letter, the UN Secretary-General Guterres has reportedly urged the Somali president to exercise caution and refrain from rash decisions, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the situation before any definitive steps are taken.
However, that has done little to change the government’s mind, culminating in the expulsion decision.
Among the grievances cited by the Somali government are allegations that the expelled envoy promoted policies aligning with the interests of her home country, the United Kingdom, over those of the UN, particularly regarding Somaliland.
Additionally, accusations of exclusionary practices within the envoy’s office, including the isolation of Somali UN staff, have raised concerns regarding transparency and impartiality, further straining trust between the envoy and Somali authorities.
ANALYSIS
The expulsion of Laing marks the second time that Somalia expelled a UN envoy.
Previously, in January 2019, the Somali government underMohamed Farmajo ordered Nicholas Haysom, then the UN envoy for Somalia, to leave the country.
The action came after Haysom called for an investigation into civilian casualties during protests following the arrest of the former al-Shabaab leader Mukhtar Robow who is currently the religious affairs and endowment minister.
But, the latest expulsion of Catriona Laing, that underscores the deep-seated tensions between the federal government in Mogadishu and its semiautonomous regions, may exacerbate the political crisis that could have far-reaching implications for Somalia’s stability and democratic progress.
The decision also reflects a broader distrust of international involvement in Somalia’s affairs by the government which is trying to extend its authority across the country.
Somalia’s swift action in expelling Laing also highlights the government’s determination to assert its authority and protect its perceived interests, even at the risk of further alienating international partners.
In the meantime, the repercussions of Laing’s expulsion are likely to be felt both domestically and internationally.
Domestically, it threatens to deepen divisions between the federal government and regional administrations, potentially undermining efforts to hold credible elections and consolidate democratic institutions.
Internationally, it raises concerns about Somalia’s commitment to engaging constructively with the international community and may deter future diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the country’s myriad challenges by foreign diplomats.
For inquiries, submissions, or tips, please contact Somali Standard at info@somalistandard.com.
