In a battle for influence, Somali leaders have found themselves entangled in an intense power struggle as they compete for control over the appointment of a Senior United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) advisor, according to reliable sources.
The position in question is that of the Senior Advisor to the UN Special Representative for the Secretary General (SRSG), which was previously held by Somalia’s current Federal Information Minister Daud Aweys.
The dispute involving officials at the two top offices in the country has began to escalate last week after their respective representatives have communicated separate but conflicting messages supporting different candidates to the United Nations Mission in Somalia, causing confusion among the officials at the mission.
Three Somali officials and a source at the UNSOM have told Horn Examiner that President Hassan Mohamud is actively advocating for the recruitment of a long-time Staffer at IGAD and a Former Presidential Candidate from his own constituency to fill the role.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Barre is lobbying for a mid-ranking government official from his inner circle to be selected.
This rivalry has raised concerns about the violation of the United Nations’ merit-based recruitment policies, as well as the potential compromise of the organization’s integrity due to external influences.
Despite facing the growing pressure by the Somali leaders seeking to influence the process, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Envoy for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia has nonetheless reportedly proceeded with the shortlisting process for candidates.
The Horn Examiner cannot independently confirm whether the same shortlisting process has been influenced by either side.
However, the final appointment decision lies with the incoming Special Representative for the Secretary-General, Catriona Laing who arrived in Mogadishu on Monday.
She is expected to hold the first meeting with President Mohamud, during which the issue of the vacant U.N. position is likely to be raised by the president in an attempt to sway the recruitment process on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, a senior UN official who spoke to Horn Examiner on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media said that the pressure exerted by Somali leaders on the United Nations is a cause for concern, as it undermines the principles of fair and impartial selection based on qualifications and expertise.
He expressed concern over the apparent politicization of the selection process, which he said should ideally prioritize qualifications, expertise, and experience, arguing that choosing candidates based on political affiliations or clan connections undermines the credibility and impartiality of the United Nations, which has a vital role in assisting Somalia’s recovery and stability.
Amidst the rivalry, analysts warn that the selection process for this senior advisory role will have far-reaching implications for Somalia’s engagement with the United Nations
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