Somalia

The UN Secretary-General said on Friday he “deeply regrets” the Somali Government’s decision to expel his Special Representative in the country, adding that he had “full confidence” in Nicholas Haysom’s abilities and track record as an international civil servant. According to news reports, Mr. Haysom was accused of violating diplomatic rules and overstepping his authority by the Government, in questioning the legal basis for the arrest of a former al-Shabab deputy leader early last month, who was standing for election in South West state.

Nicholas Haysom, a South African, had served only a few months as the special representative for U.N. Secretary General António Guterres. Somalia’s Foreign Ministry declared him “persona non grata” and ordered him to leave the country.

Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Tuesday’s attacks against the UN compound in Mogadishu … saying that intentionally attacking UN personnel may constitute "a violation of international humanitarian law.” Seven mortars landed inside the compound, injuring two UN staff members and one contractor.