United Nations – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday announced the appointment of Michael Keating of the United Kingdom as his new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia.
This is contained in a statement issued by the UN Spokesman, Stephane DuJarric on Tuesday in New York.
It stated that Keating will succeed Nicholas Kay also from the United Kingdom, who will complete his assignment at the end of the year.
The statement said that Ban was grateful for Kay’s dedication, courage and excellent leadership of UNSOM over the past two-and-a-half years, a critical period for Somalia’s political transformation.
It said that Keating would bring to this position extensive experience in supporting political and peace building transitions, as well as leading complex humanitarian and recovery programmes in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.
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The statement said he was Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan from 2010 until 2012.
Keating also served as Executive Director of the Africa Progress Panel, a policy group chaired by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, among others. (NAN)
