U.S. Diplomat James Swan Formally Picked as UNTMIS Head

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: Long-serving career diplomat James Swan will continue the mantle of leadership as the head of the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) following his appointment Friday.

The UN Secretary-General appointed Swan to formally head the UN body in Somalia, a position he had held on an interim basis since May 2024.

“The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to Mr. Swan for acting as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)/UNTMIS since May 2024 and is pleased that Mr. Swan accepted to continue to lead the United Nations in Somalia during this critical period,” a statement from the UN read in part.

The UNTMIS was established on October 30, 2024, under UN Security Council resolution 2753 (2024) and formally began operations on November 1, 2024. According to the resolution, UNTMIS shall deliver a first phase of its transition until 31 October 2025.

Prior to serving as acting Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM/UNTMIS as well as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM (2019-2022), Swan worked in the United States Government as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2016), Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013), and Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011).