Head of UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus to Step Down

Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), is set to step down from his position as his term comes to an end this summer.

According to Philenews, Stewart is expected to leave the island upon completing his mission, with sources indicating that he plans to retire. Cyprus is likely to be his final diplomatic posting.

In light of his upcoming departure, the process of selecting his successor has already begun.

Stewart has served in this role since late 2021, taking over from Elizabeth Spehar, who previously led the UN mission in Cyprus and served as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.

Prior to his assignment in Cyprus, Stewart was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Western Sahara.