AU picks South African to replace expelled Ugandan envoy at AMISOM

GOOBJOOG NEWS/ADDIS ABABA:The African Union Commission has appointed Fiona Lortan, a South African diplomat as the new Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DRSCC) to Somalia and Deputy Head of Mission.

Fiona Lortan replaces Simon Mulongo, who was expelled in November 2021 over accusations that he engaged in activities that ‘contravene AMISOM’s mandate and Somalia’s national security.’

The new AU Special Representative was until her current appointment, the Acting Director for Conflict Management in the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department (PAPS). 

The African Union Commission said that it had utmost confidence in Fiona to take a wealth of experience to the position which will play an important role in the transition phase of the African Union’s commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Somalia.

While congratulating Fiona, the African Union Commissioner, H .E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said that the incoming Representative will “among many other tasks, work to help the African Union to deliver on all that is required to end AMISOM and follow through on ongoing preparations for the mandate,  composition,  size,  and  structure  of  a  proposed  new  mission  in  Somalia,”.