The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Catriona Laing is biased and disseminating misleading information regarding the conflict in Northern Somalia, particularly involving the SSC Khaatumo State of Somalia and the Somaliland separatist forces.
On Oct 19, 2023 recent statement, Ms. Laing referred to the SSC State of Somalia as a “Dhulbahante militia” downplaying its legitimacy. Furthermore, she alleged that the conflict in Lasanood escalated due to the advance of Dhulbahante militia to “Oog”.
Contrary to Ms. Laing’s assertions, the SSC State of Somalia (Dhulbahante Clan) acted in response to remove “Occupying Somaliland Force” from Laasanood. primarily composed of the Isaq separatist clan, from Hargeysa.
Ms. Laing has failed to report atrocities committed by the Somaliland separatist forces in Laasanood, including indiscriminate shelling that resulted in the tragic deaths of over a thousand individuals, including women and children.
Additionally, Ms. Laing has neglected to report violations of the UN weapons embargo by the Somaliland separatist authority and the Djibouti government. UN Sanctioned items include the illegal importation of artillery, artillery shells and banned weapons from Djibouti.
Due her biased nature, Ms. Laing has not effectively mediated between the warring factions in Northern Somalia, specifically the SSC State of Somalia and the Somaliland separatists. Somali people are concerned about her perceived bias and ineffectiveness in fostering peace in the region.
We emphasizes that Ms. Laing’s biases make her an unacceptable representative for the United Nations, particularly for the Somali people who require an unbiased UN Representative in Somalia.