Mogadishu (SD) – The African Union Commission has appointed Fiona Lortan, 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 dismissed in November 2021 over indictments that he participated in pursuits that breach AMISOM’s mandate and Somalia’s national safety measures.

The appointee Fiona Lortan, most important activity is to play a huge role in Somalia’s current transition. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Political Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeye said the AU is committed to ensuring stability in Somalia.

“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,” said Ambassador Bankole Adeye.

Fiona Lortan joined the African Union Commission in May 2002 and has operated in numerous roles in safeguarding peace and security around the continent.

She was most recently the Acting Director for Conflict Management in the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department (PAPS) and worked diligently on AMISOM. Ms. Lortan previously worked in Khartoum, Sudan, as a member of the AU High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan and South Sudan.