Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
Related Articles
MOGADISHU — Ms. Sandra Lattouf, the newly appointed UNICEF Representative in Somalia, officially presented her credentials today to H.E. Isaak Mohamud Mursal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, during a ceremony held in Mogadishu.
The event marks the formal commencement of Ms. Lattouf’s tenure in Somalia, at a time when the country continues to face critical humanitarian and development challenges affecting children.
In remarks reported by Shabelle Media Network, Ms. Lattouf expressed her commitment to continuing UNICEF’s support for national priorities, stating:“I look forward to building on the progress achieved in improving children’s lives. UNICEF will continue supporting the Federal Government’s development goals through the National Transformation Plan. Coming to Somalia fulfills a lifelong dream of mine.”
With a professional background spanning over 30 years in the UN and the NGO sectors, Ms. Lattouf previously served as UNICEF Representative in Iraq (2023–2025), as well as in Burkina Faso and The Gambia.
Her extensive experience includes positions at UNICEF headquarters in New York and field assignments in Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She also worked with the international NGO Solidarités in Burundi, the DRC, and France.
A national of Lebanon, Ms. Lattouf holds an advanced degree in Nutrition and Food Security from the University of Montpellier, a master’s degree in Biochemistry, and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Sciences and Techniques in Tours, France.
Officials and observers in Somalia are optimistic that Ms. Lattouf’s leadership will strengthen the partnership between UNICEF and the Federal Government, particularly in education, health, child protection, nutrition, and water — all within a broader framework of sustainable development.
