Somalia: ex-BBC Somali Boss becomes Ambassador to UN

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) has picked former BBC Somali Chief and presidential aide Yusuf Garad Omar as new ambassador to the United Nations, Garowe Online reports. 

Garad, outspoken journalist turned politician, is a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, serving as an advisor to him on media over the last few months.  

He is expected to head Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and replace long-serving ElmiDu’alle who has been at diplomatic helm for ten years.  

The former Chief of BBC’s Somali Department ran for presidency in the country’s first indirect vote in 22 years in Mogadishu in 2012. 

The nomination comes at a critical time as Somalia prepares to hold second election home on its own since State collapse in 1991 by August this year.

GAROWEONLINE