James Swan, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia

James Swan is the Acting UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 14 May 2024, Mr. Swan is an experienced diplomat with a long career in African countries facing complex political transitions. Most recently, he served as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022.  Prior to that, he served in the United States Government as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2013 to 2016, Special Representative for Somalia from 2011 to 2013, and Ambassador to Djibouti from 2008 to 2011.

In his earlier career, Mr. Swan was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2006 to 2008, and Director of African Analysis in the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research from 2005 to 2006.  Prior to holding these assignments, Mr. Swan held various assignments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Somalia, Cameroon, Nicaragua and Haiti.

Mr. Swan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a Master’s degree in Security Studies from the National War College, all in the United States.  He is fluent in English and French.

Raisedon Zenenga, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia

Raisedon Zenenga is the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 26 January 2024, Mr. Zenenga brings extensive experience in supporting political processes and mediation, managing complex peace operations, and working with Government and other key stakeholders in conflict and post-conflict settings. He has over 30 years of experience in the United Nations, including with United Nations missions in Liberia, Libya, Iraq-Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and South Sudan, as well as at the United Nations Headquarters.

He previously held the position of Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya, where he also served as Assistant Secretary-General and Mission Coordinator of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Previously, he also served as the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

He also served in other senior roles at the United Nations Headquarters supporting peacekeeping operations in Africa. Mr. Zenenga began his professional career in his country’s Diplomatic Service. Mr. Zenenga graduated from the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied public administration and political science.

George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

George Conway is the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and also serves as the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.     

He has more than 20 years of experience in development, crisis prevention and recovery, and humanitarian affairs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN entities.

Prior to his current post, he served as Deputy Director at UNDP’s Crisis Bureau in New York and previously worked in Somalia as UNDP Country Director (2013–2019).

He has also served in various roles in South Sudan, Indonesia and Canada on peace and conflict issues, including as UNDP’s Strategic Advisor for Africa, Country Director a.i. in South Sudan, and Head of Programmes in Juba. In Indonesia he assisted in crisis prevention and recovery following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Before UNDP, he was an analyst on peace and conflict issues in Ottawa and a civilian expert for peace-keeping operations.

Mr. Conway holds a Master’s degree in international affairs from Carleton University in Ottawa, an interdisciplinary Master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg.