Africa-Press – Rwanda. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, joined other leaders who paid tributes to Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, a Rwandan diplomat, who died on Tuesday, August at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
Kacyira, a former MP and Mayor of the City of Kigali, was the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The Somali president described Kacyira as “a steadfast leader whose dedication made a lasting contribution to Somalia’s stability and prosperity.”
H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extends his deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
He extended condolences to Kacyira’s family, the people and Government of Rwanda, and the UN community, saying her passing was “a loss not only to Somalia but to all who value peace and service.”
Rwanda’s Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, lamented the untimely passing of Kacyira, describing her as “a kind lady and hard-working public servant, who dedicated her professionnal life to the Government of Rwanda and to the United Nations.”
Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of Kacyira, calling her “a sister, committed public servant, and firm believer in diplomacy and development.”
Kacyira was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as Head of UNSOS in February 2023, leading efforts to provide critical logistical and operational support to peace operations in Somalia.
The UN mission in Somalia praised her “exemplary dedication and vision” built on more than three decades of distinguished service in diplomacy, governance, and humanitarian affairs.
“We honour her legacy of service and compassion, and will carry forward her vision in support of Somalia,” the mission said in a statement.
The UN Economic Commission for Africa described her as “a remarkable leader committed to peace, service, and the people of Somalia and Africa.”
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Martin Ngoga, noted that Kacyira’s legacy “will long be remembered.”
Rwanda’s former Minister of Trade and Industry, Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, who is currently a UN Assistant Secretary General and Group Director General of the African Risk Capacity, also sent his condolenced to Kacyira’s family.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ms AISA KIRABO KACYIRA. She was a remarkable woman whose kindness and dedication touched many lives. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace,” Ngabitsinze wrote.
The African Union Commission’s Chief of Staff, Souef Mohamed El-Amine, eulogised Kacyira as “a buildr and humanist.”
“She devoted her life to building bridges between peoples, fron Kigali to the United Nations,” El-Amine wrote in a post on X.
“Her solidarity, her commitment to peace, her dedication to Somalia and the constant supports she has given to the African Union are recognised and applauded.”
Over her career, Kacyira also served as Governor of Eastern Province in 2011 and Mayor of Kigali City from 2006 to 2011.
Between 2003 and 2006, she served as a Member of Parliament.
Beyond her political and diplomatic roles, she held several significant positions in development and humanitarian assistance.
She also served as Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary‐General of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‐Habitat) from 2011 to 2018.
She also contributed to programme and project management in the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and worked with NGOs such as Oxfam and Care International.
She also held leadership roles in regional and international associations, serving as President of the East African Association of Local Government Authorities, and Vice‐President of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa.
Kacyira was married and is survived by four children.
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