UK Appoints New Ambassador to Somalia Amid Regional Security Concerns

by: SOURCE: Horn Observer Contributor | 20 February 2025

The United Kingdom has appointed Charles Nicholas King as its new ambassador to Somalia, replacing Michael Nithavrianakis MVO.

Mogadishu (Horn Observer) The United Kingdom has appointed Charles Nicholas King as its new ambassador to Somalia, replacing Michael Nithavrianakis MVO, Kaab TV repoted.

King, a veteran diplomat with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), will assume the role in May 2025.

The appointment reflects the UK’s growing engagement in the Horn of Africa, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions and security challenges.

King, who has served in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Egypt, and Turkey, has been with the FCDO since 2004.

In addition to English, he speaks Arabic, an asset for diplomatic efforts in the region.

Following the British Embassy Mogadishu’s announcement of his appointment, King expressed his enthusiasm, stating he was “delighted to be taking on the role and looking forward to starting soon.”

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), secure a landing zone with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight) — U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF). | PHOTO/ U.S Army.

Meanwhile, the UK has reaffirmed its commitment to security partnerships across Africa. More than 22 African nations are participating in Exercise Justified Accord, a multinational military operation led by the US and supported by the UK.

Running from February 10–21, the exercise is hosted in Djibouti, Kenya, and Tanzania and includes both strategic table-top planning and live-action drills. These drills involve coordinated ground attacks, urban warfare tactics, drone operations, and air-support missions.

King’s appointment comes as the UK seeks to strengthen its influence in Africa, emphasizing long-term partnerships for peace and stability.