By Mogadishu(LM) Finland has named Suldaan Said Ahmed, a former MP and diplomat, as its new special envoy for peace mediation in the Horn of Africa.
Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen announced the appointment on Wednesday, saying that Said Ahmed will focus on supporting peace processes in the region, which includes countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.
“Mediation for peace is one of the core priorities in Finland’s foreign and security policy,” Valtonen said in a press release. “Said Ahmed’s appointment demonstrates Finland’s commitment to promoting stability in the Horn of Africa and is part of our efforts to advance peaceful resolutions to conflicts as well.”
Said Ahmed is not new to the role, as he previously served as the special envoy for peace mediation during the term of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto from 2022 to 2023. He also served roughly one term as an MP in the Finnish parliament, representing the Left Alliance party.
“Said Ahmed’s extensive networks are a great asset in our work for stability in the region,” Valtonen said. “He has gained the trust and respect of the Horn of Africa leaders and communities through his previous work as a peace mediator.”
