Mogadishu – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is pleased to announce the arrival of its newly appointed Chief of Mission in Somalia, Mr Frantz Celestin.

Mr Celestin presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdisaid Muse Ali on Monday May 9, 2022 in Mogadishu. 

Mr. Celestin will run IOM Somalia´s office and lead the implementation of its entire portfolio that cut across humanitarian, stabilization and development areas. IOM currently employs more than 330 individuals working across all six states of Somalia with a focus on improving the life of displaced, migrant, and vulnerable communities. 

“I am honored to take on this role and contribute to deliver Somalia´s National Development Plan,” Mr Celestin said. “I am looking forward to working with the Federal Government of Somalia to address migration challenges and supporting communities whose lives have been affected by conflict and climatic shocks.”

Mr Celestin joined IOM in 2006 and has held several senior positions in the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa, most recently serving as Chief of Mission in IOM Nigeria from August 2016 to May 2022. 

Between January 2012 and August 2016, Mr Celestin was the Head of the Labour Mobility and Human Development Division at IOM Somalia. During his tenure, IOM started one of its flagship projects in Somalia, the Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) programme. MIDA has successfully run for over a decade, connecting Somali diaspora experts with local professionals and public institutions to strengthen the capacity of state institutions thanks to its innovative skill transfer approach.  

Mr Celestin was also the Regional Program Manager of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM West Africa) since 2016. 

The new Chief of Mission will play a crucial role in contributing to uphold the rights of migrants and displaced populations in Somalia in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental partners.
 
For more information, please contact iomsomaliapsu@iom.int