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Progress or Peril in Somalia?

A Conversation with U.N. Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 / Time: 6:00am - 7:30am 

Center: Applied Conflict Transformation Center;  Middle East North Africa Center

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The Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, discussed the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia’s progress in executing key governance and security goals at the U.S. Institute of Peace on April 22, 2014.

mr kay and mr carson

Despite the optimism that surrounded President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s inauguration in 2012, Somalia has struggled to achieve key governance and security goals. A recent cabinet reshuffle and intensified al-Shabab militant activity in Mogadishu have raised more concerns about Somalia’s trajectory. With elections planned for 2016, rapid progress is required to bolster confidence in Somalia’s government and leadership.

To address these issues, USIP hosted a discussion with Nicholas Kay, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Somalia. As the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Amb. Kay oversees a mission charged with providing policy advice to the federal government on a range of governance and security issues and coordinating international engagement. He provided an update on recent developments in Somalia and UNSOM’s progress in executing its mandate, as well as answered questions from the audience.

Featured Speakers:

Ambassador Nicholas Kay
Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia

Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Moderator
Special Advisor to the President, U.S. Institute of Peace

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