UNSOS Head Passes Away After Illness
(MENAFN) Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and assistant secretary-general, has died following a prolonged illness. She passed away Tuesday evening.
In a statement issued by UNSOS, Kacyira was remembered for her leadership, which was marked by a profound commitment to the mission and the peace-building efforts in Somalia. The office praised her over three decades of experience in diplomacy, governance, and humanitarian work, noting her critical role in fostering stability in the East African nation.
“We honor her legacy of service and compassion, and we will carry forward her vision in support of Somalia,” the statement read, issued in the Somali capital.
Kacyira, a respected Rwandan diplomat, had been appointed to lead UNSOS by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February 2023. She succeeded Lisa Filipetto of Australia in the role. Prior to this, she had served as the mayor of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and held various senior roles in international governance and humanitarian sectors.
UNSOS plays a key role in supporting the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Security Forces in their joint operations to restore peace and security.
Kacyira’s distinguished career earned her widespread respect for her integrity, inclusive leadership, and unwavering dedication to multilateral dialogue, UNSOS stated.
“We extend our sincere condolences to her loved ones, the UN family, AUSSOM, Somali and international partners, and colleagues around the world. We honor her legacy of service and compassion, and we will carry forward her vision in support of Somalia. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the mission’s statement concluded.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also offered his condolences, recognizing Kacyira as a dedicated leader whose work made a lasting impact on Somalia’s stability and prosperity. He extended heartfelt sympathy to her family and to the government and people of Rwanda.
Kacyira’s career in development and humanitarian assistance was notable, having served as the deputy executive director of the UN Human Settlements Program from 2011 to 2018.
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