Finland’s first Somali-born MP appointed Horn of Africa peace envoy

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HELSINKI: Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto appointed Somali-born MP Suldaan Said Ahmed as his Special Representative on Peace Mediation in the Horn of Africa.

The Foreign Ministry said Ahmed, who is the only Somali-origin member in the parliament, will focus on supporting peace processes in one of the volatile regions in Africa.

Finland said it has long-standing relations with several countries in the region.

“The challenges faced by the fragile region include many political and armed conflicts, in addition to which the region suffers from the worst drought for decades,” said Haavisto. “Peace mediation is one of the priorities in Finland’s foreign and security policy.”

The appointment supports Finland’s efforts to further deepen relations with countries in the region, promote peaceful solutions to conflicts and as part of comprehensive security and highlight issues related to the region’s climate security and the humanitarian situation, said Haavisto.

It is an unsalaried post that Ahmed will manage alongside his duties as an MP.

Hours after his appointment, Ahmed told Anadolu Agency that his appointment comes at a critical time as the region faces multiple problems including conflicts.

“I am happy to be appointed in this position and I will undertake my duties and work with regional authorities to solve outstanding issues,” he said.

Ahmed said he will soon visit the region and meet authorities to discuss issues and relations between “our countries.”

He said he will work with the regional youngsters to empower them and get involved in peace-building and peace-mediation in the region.

Anadolu Agency