The recent developments within the UNFPA Somalia Country Office have sparked significant concern and unrest among the national staff. Allegations of harassment, favoritism, and unjust realignment processes have casted a shadow over the organization, calling into question the leadership of Dr. Mary Otieno, Representative a.i., and her Deputy, Mr. Francis Anyansi. This commentary seeks to highlight the critical issues facing the office and the need for urgent intervention to restore trust, fairness, and morale among the staff.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Since Dr. Mary Otieno took over the leadership of the UNFPA Somalia field office in March, following the sudden and ill-advised placement of the substantive Country Representative on administrative leave, there has been a noticeable shift in the workplace environment. Unfortunately, this shift has not been for the better. Instead, it has been marred by reports of harassment, intimidation, favoritism, and abuse of authority. These actions have not only undermined the wellbeing of the staff but have also led to a significant erosion of morale within the office.
Mr. Francis Anyansi, who assumed the role of Deputy Representative soon after Dr. Otieno’s appointment, has also been implicated in these troubling developments. National staff members have reported feeling intimidated by Mr. Anyansi, who has allegedly spoken down to colleagues, embarrassed staff members publicly, and displayed a blatant disregard for their wellbeing. Such behavior is unacceptable in any workplace, let alone an organization committed to promoting the welfare of others and the marginalized populations like the UN.
The Disturbing Trend of Favoritism
One of the most concerning issues reported by the staff is the apparent favoritism shown by Dr. Otieno, particularly towards Kenyan nationals at the expense of Somali staff. A striking example of this is the appointment of Mrs. Juliana Nzau, a Kenyan national, as the Head of the SRH unit. This decision, reportedly influenced by ethnic ties rather than merit, bypassed more qualified and experienced candidates, thereby undermining the principles of fairness and professionalism that should govern such appointments.
Additionally, it has been alleged that Dr. Otieno manipulated housing arrangements to favor another Kenyan, Mr. Collins Opiyo, who was given accommodation at the expense of another international staff member, Mr. Pusparaj Mohanty. This blatant favoritism has contributed to a toxic work environment where personal biases appear to overshadow professional qualifications and merit.
The Realignment Crisis: A Deeper Look
The realignment within the UNFPA Somalia office did not occur in a vacuum; it was a consequence of a series of mismanaged events that left the entire country office in disarray. The root of the problem can be traced back to the decision to place the substantive country representative on administrative leave. This decision, shrouded in secrecy and marked by a complete lack of transparency, set off a chain reaction of events that ultimately led to the suspension of donor funding—a critical lifeline for the organization’s operations.
For nearly two months, the donors were kept in the dark about the leadership vacuum in the Somalia office. The absence of communication from the UNFPA to its staff, donors, and partners created an environment of uncertainty and confusion. With no representative, no deputy representative, and no designated officer in charge, the office was left leaderless, and staff were left to navigate the chaos on their own. The regional director, who was supposed to step in and manage the situation, failed to communicate effectively or appoint someone to take charge. As a result, the confidence of the staff was shattered, and they felt abandoned and ignored.
This lack of leadership and communication had far-reaching consequences. The suspension of donor funding, a direct result of the mishandling of the leadership transition, led to the realignment process—a process that has been widely criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness. The realignment disproportionately affected Somali nationals, with approximately 60% of Somali employees losing their jobs. Many of these individuals had dedicated over a decade of service to the organization, making their sudden displacement all the more unjust.
The ultimate victims of this crisis, however, were not just the staff but the beneficiaries—the vulnerable populations that UNFPA Somalia is supposed to serve. With funding suspended and staff laid off, the support and services that these beneficiaries relied on were severely compromised. The realignment, intended to streamline operations, instead exacerbated the suffering of those who needed help the most.
Erosion of Trust and Morale
The cumulative effect of these decisions and behaviors has been devastating for the staff at UNFPA Somalia. Trust in leadership has been severely eroded, and morale among the national staff is at an all-time low. Many employees now feel unappreciated, insecure about their future, and uncertain about their place within the organization. The once-strong bond between the staff and the leadership has been fractured, leading to a work environment that is anything but conducive to productivity and harmony.
A Need for Urgent Intervention
Given the gravity of these allegations and the impact they have had on the staff and beneficiaries, it is imperative that the Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) conducts a thorough and impartial investigation into the realignment process and the conduct of the leadership. The national staff have made a respectful request for such an investigation, hoping that it will bring about a restoration of fairness, transparency, and trust within the Somalia Country Office.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need for headquarters to halt the current realignment process and establish an independent mechanism to oversee any future restructuring efforts. This would help ensure that such processes are carried out with the objectivity, transparency, and fairness that all employees deserve. It is a big shame that the UNFPA Somalia country office which started the year 2024 with a large and growing team, delivering development and humanitarian assistance to the women and girls of Somalia is now shrinking from about 92 persons on the team, (with varied contractual categories) to 40, courtesy of this flawed realignment exercise.
In conclusion, the situation at UNFPA Somalia is a clear reminder of the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and fairness in any organization. The current challenges facing the staff cannot be ignored, and it is crucial that immediate steps are taken to address these issues and restore a healthy and productive work environment.