United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has officially appointed James Swan of the United States as his Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
Swan had been serving as the Acting Special Representative since May 2024, following the departure of Catriona Laing. The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for Swan’s dedicated service in this role and is pleased that he will continue to lead the UN’s efforts during this pivotal moment for Somalia.
Swan is an experienced diplomat with a long career in African countries facing complex political transitions.
He previously served as the Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) from 2019 to 2022.
Prior to that, he held positions as the United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2013 to 2016, Special Representative for Somalia from 2011 to 2013, and Ambassador to Djibouti from 2008 to 2011.
His earlier career includes roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Director of African Analysis in the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) concluded its operations on 31 October 2024 and was succeeded by UNTMIS on 1 November 2024, in line with UN Security Council resolution 2753.
This transition reflects the progress in Somalia and aligns with the Federal Government of Somalia’s request for a two-year transition of UNSOM’s functions to the United Nations Country Team by October 2026.
In his role, Swan will continue to support the Somali government and people in advancing their peace, security, development, and state-building priorities.