Michael Keating, from Somalia to European Institute of Peace

[Deeq A.]

European Institute of Peace (EIP) appoints Michael Keating as new Executive Director

Somalilandsun- Despite remarkable achievements in Somalia in the recent past, structural challenges remain and continue to undermine the country’s security and political stability’

This was stated by former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Michael Keating a post he assumed in January 2016. UNSOM supports peace- and state-building in Somalia, using the UN’s good offices and technical capacities in a wide range of areas including constitutional and electoral processes, security sector reform, human rights, economic development and humanitarian assistance.

‘Somalia’s destiny lies in the hands of the people’ said Keating as he handed over to his replacement in Somalia fellow Briton Nicholas Haysom In October 2018.
Though a Briton Michael Keating who was born in Uganda 59 years ago has a enjoyed a very productive life both in the private and public Sectors.

L-R Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi Receives then Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating at the presidency in Hargeisa

Keating who is married and has four children and holds a Master of Arts in history from the University of Cambridge, has now ascended to another top notch international duties position at the European Institute of Peace (EIP)

The European Institute of Peace (EIP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Keating as new Executive Director. Mr. Keating will assume responsibilities on the 5th of November 2018, succeeding Mr. Martin Griffiths, EIP’s first executive director. Mr. Griffiths was selected as UN Special Envoy to the Secretary General for Yemen. Under his leadership the organisation grew into the vibrant peace organization it is today.
The EIP is an independent organisation based in Brussels, with 31 permanent staff and budget of 9m euros, active on four continents, working with governments, civil society and other actors. A partner to the European Union and to European states, the EIP promotes informal and informed dialogue as well as hands-on support, notably in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and mediation.

Michael Keating replaces Martin Griffiths, who is now the UN special rep in Yemen

From 2016 to September 2018, Mr. Keating was the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, based in Mogadishu. He has worked on political transitions and led complex peace-building programmes and initiatives in Africa, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Mr. Keating’s career has been divided between the private sector and public service. His previous roles have included serving as Associate Director at Chatham House in London; Executive Director of the Africa Progress Panel, a policy group chaired by late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan; and senior advisor to mediation bodies.

His UN assignments have included Kabul, Lilongwe, Jerusalem, New York and Geneva with humanitarian, development, human rights as well as political responsibilities. He began his career in publishing, worked in television and ran a strategic communication consultancy for several years.

‘At a time of uncertainty and evolving threats to peace, the EIP has an essential role in ensuring that European values and its global reach are used as effectively as possible to prevent, resolve and mediate conflicts’ said Pekka Haavisto, Chair of EIP’s Board. ‘Michael brings a great mix of substantive leadership and partnering skills and relevant experience to the Institute’.Unquote