Late. Nicholas Haysom. UNMISS Head of Mission Special Representative of the Secretary-General- Courtesy

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed profound sadness over the death of its Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, Mr. Nicholas (Fink) Haysom. 

Haysom, who assumed leadership of the UN mission in January 2021, was widely regarded as a seasoned diplomat, mediator, and constitutional expert.

Over a career spanning decade, he served in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, including Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and at UN headquarters in New York.

In a press statement released seen by this outlet on Thursday, UNMISS described Haysom as a leader whose dedication to peace and democratic governance left a lasting impact on South Sudan.

As the top UN official in the country, Haysom championed inclusive political processes and governance reforms, emphasizing the importance of placing citizens’ aspirations at the center of national development.

He was committed to advancing a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic transition for the country, one that placed the aspirations and welfare of its citizens at the very foundation.

Born and educated in South Africa, Haysom’s early life as an anti-apartheid activist and human rights lawyer shaped his lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.