UN political Mission in Somalia to end on October 31 after more than three decades of engagement

Somalia and the United Nations have marked the conclusion of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which is scheduled to formally end its mandate on October 31, bringing an end to more than three decades of UN political missions supporting peacebuilding and state-building in the country.

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and UNTMIS Officer-in-Charge Raisedon Zenenga led a ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday attended by senior government officials, representatives of international partners, civil society organisations and United Nations personnel.

UNTMIS began operations on November 1, 2024, succeeding the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Its mandate included supporting state-building, constitutional review, electoral processes, human rights protection, the rule of law and security-sector development.

According to the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the mission will complete its two-year transition and cease operations on October 31, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025) and at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia.

The transition follows a jointly agreed roadmap under which the mission’s mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and other UN agencies, funds and programmes.

In a statement issued on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the progress made in peacebuilding and security while recognising the resilience of the Somali people despite persistent challenges.

He also called for continued international support to strengthen institutions, promote inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, protect human rights and address the security threat posed by Al-Shabaab.

The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to current and former UN personnel who served in Somalia, paying tribute to those who lost their lives while working to advance peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zenenga praised the partnership between Somalia and the United Nations and expressed confidence that cooperation would continue beyond the mission’s closure.

“As UNTMIS concludes its mandate, we do so with gratitude for the trust and partnership extended to us, with pride in the dedication and achievements of UN personnel in Somalia, and deep respect for the resilience and determination of the Somali people,” Zenenga said.

“Above all, we leave with the conviction that the partnership between Somalia and the UN will endure, together with our shared hope for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Somalia.”

Although UNTMIS is ending its operations, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working alongside Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners.

The transition places greater responsibility on Somali institutions to sustain progress in governance, political reconciliation, human rights and security-sector development.

Mustaqbal