New UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia arrives in Mogadishu

The new Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (DSRSG), Mr. Peter de Clercq of the Netherlands, arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday to assume his duties with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

He will also serve as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Somalia.

DSRSG De Clercq brings to Somalia a wealth of experience in managing political processes, security sector development, operations and emergency management, protection of civilians and rule of law, as well as mobilisation and management of humanitarian and development assistance.

He also has previous experience in Somalia where he served as senior adviser to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Deputy Special Representative for Somalia for the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (2012 to 2013).

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to return to Somalia and support the the people and Government of Somalia towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. The challenges are tremendous, but we must work together to push forward the progress that the Somali people want to see,” said DSRSG de Clercq.

DSRSG de Clercq succeeds Philippe Lazzarini of Switzerland, who completed his assignment with UNSOM and recently left to join the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL).

DSRSG de Clercq was appointed by the UN Secretary-General in June 2015.

Prior to that he served as the DSRSG for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Haiti.