The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday morning announced the death of its chief, Nicholas Haysom, describing him as a principled leader who dedicated his life to peace and justice.
According to officials, Haysom, who was fondly known as Fink, died in New York at the age of 73.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas (Fink) Haysom,” the UNMISS statement reads in part.
Haysom, who took up the role in January 2021, brought decades of experience with the United Nations, having served in countries including Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He played a role in South Africa’s transition to democracy, serving as chief and constitutional advisor to former President Nelson Mandela from 1994 to 1999.
The mission described him as “a seasoned mediator, diplomat and constitutional expert” who played key roles in advancing peace processes and governance reforms in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
As the UN’s top official in South Sudan, he was known for his strong belief in the country’s future. The statement noted that he “was steadfast in his conviction that the international community stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of South Sudan in their journey of nation-building.”
It added that Haysom was committed to promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic transition, grounded in citizens’ needs and aspirations.
Reflecting on his early life, UNMISS said his ideals were shaped in South Africa, where he was an anti-apartheid activist and human rights lawyer.
“It is this lifelong passion for justice that fueled his dedication to public service, democracy, and the rule of law,” the statement said.
Colleagues praised his leadership and influence, saying his “principled leadership, wisdom, diplomatic skills, and unwavering commitment to a brighter future for South Sudan” inspired both peacekeepers and local communities.
The mission extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of South Africa.
“He will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to be a beacon of hope,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom – a principled lawyer, tireless peacemaker, and steadfast champion of the values of the United Nations.
“Mr. Haysom devoted his life to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation — from his central role in South Africa’s democratic transition – serving as Chief Legal and Constitutional Adviser to President Nelson Mandela – to years of leadership in UN posts in some of the world’s most complex and fragile settings, most recently as the head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan,” he said. “In every task, he combined deep legal insight with sound political judgment and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people.”
Guterres said the United Nations mourns the loss of a remarkable colleague, friend, and mentor.
“The legacy of Nicholas Haysom will endure in the peace processes he advanced, the institutions he strengthened, and the principles he helped bring to life around the world,” he said. “I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all our colleagues who had the privilege to be inspired by him in the pursuit of peace.”
Haysom was a lawyer who previously served as Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s special representative for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). For several years, he was also a director for political affairs, peacekeeping, and humanitarian affairs in Ban Ki-moon’s New York office, and he served for about two years in the UN’s Iraq office.
Before his service with the UN, Haysom worked in the South African government as chief legal and constitutional adviser in the Office of the President from 1994 to 1999. He was involved in the Burundi peace talks as chair of the committee negotiating constitutional issues, from 1999 to 2002, under the facilitation of the late former President Nelson Mandela, and was an advisor in Sudanese peace talks from 2002 to 2005.