The Somali authorities announced on January 2 their desire to see Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Fink Haysom step down and leave the country.

France deplores this unilateral announcement and expresses its full support for Mr. Haysom who has always distinguished himself through his commitment to peace, both in his positions at the UN and in South Africa.

France also reaffirms its full support for the UN team and all other partners—including the African Union and the European Union—which are deploying considerable human and financial resources on the ground and are continuously working to ensure the country's stabilization in partnership with the Somalis.