The UN says it will continue supporting the country’s peacebuilding, governance and development efforts through its agencies…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The United Nations has completed the two-year transition of its political mission in Somalia, formally closing a chapter of more than three decades of political engagement in the country. The move follows a request from the Federal Government of Somalia, with responsibilities previously handled by the mission transferred to Somali institutions and other UN bodies.
The closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) marks the end of a process that began in November 2024 and was designed to gradually hand over the mission’s functions. Under a jointly agreed roadmap, responsibilities were transferred to Somali institutions, UN agencies, funds and programmes, and the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS).
“Today is not an end to the partnership between the United Nations and Somalia—rather, it marks the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another,” said Raisedon Zenenga, UNTMIS Officer-in-Charge and the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia.
He described the UN’s political engagement in Somalia as a story of persistence, partnership and adaptation, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.
The UN’s political involvement in Somalia dates back to 1995, when the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) was established. It was followed by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in 2013, before the mission entered its final transition phase as UNTMIS in 2024.
The transition reflects changes in Somalia’s political and institutional landscape since the early 1990s, when the collapse of central government institutions and the outbreak of civil war plunged the country into prolonged conflict and instability.
The crisis triggered large-scale refugee movements and internal displacement, while insecurity, contested electoral processes and constitutional reforms continued to complicate recovery efforts. Recurrent droughts and floods also added to the country’s humanitarian challenges.
Over the past two decades, successive UN political missions supported Somali-led efforts to restore governance, rebuild institutions and promote national reconciliation. Their work was complemented by international partners, particularly the African Union, whose successive peace support operations helped create conditions for political processes and the expansion of state authority.
The African Union also played a role in supporting Somalia’s security efforts, including operations against Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a significant threat, and the country’s ongoing security transition.
During the UNPOS period, the organisation supported peace initiatives, reconciliation efforts and the establishment of transitional governance arrangements. The creation of UNSOM in 2013 marked a shift towards more integrated support for Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building priorities.
For more than a decade, UNSOM worked with the Federal Government, Federal Member States, civil society groups, women’s and youth organisations, and international partners. Its activities included supporting constitutional review and electoral processes, facilitating political dialogue, strengthening governance and rule of law institutions, and promoting human rights.
Through political engagement, strategic advice and technical assistance, the mission supported Somalia through successive electoral processes and efforts to consolidate its federal system.
In November 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2753, transforming UNSOM into UNTMIS following the Federal Government’s request to conclude the UNSOM mandate. The resolution established a two-year transition period, leading to the mission’s closure in October 2026.
The transition roadmap aimed to preserve the progress achieved through previous missions, strengthen national institutional capacity and ensure continuity in areas including governance, constitutional review, reconciliation, electoral support, human rights and the rule of law.
The UN said all UNTMIS functions had been transferred either to Somali institutions or the UN Country Team. However, it acknowledged that political, security and institutional challenges continue to require national efforts and international support.
UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia George Conway said the closure would not end the organisation’s support for the country.
“The United Nations remains a committed partner to Somalia through its resident agencies and broader country presence, supporting the country’s aspirations for peace, stability, sustainable development and prosperity,” Conway said.
He added that UN agencies, funds and programmes would continue working with national and sub-national authorities, civil society and the private sector through development, humanitarian and human rights activities.
Zenenga credited the progress made over recent decades to the determination of the Somali people and the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations and regional and international partners.
He also paid tribute to UN personnel who served in Somalia under difficult and dangerous conditions, remembering those who lost their lives while working for peace.
“Somalia today possesses national and federal institutions that did not exist when the UN’s political engagement began. Progress has been made in state formation, political inclusion, constitutional processes, human rights frameworks and the development of governance structures that enable Somali-led decision-making. However, continued engagement by the international community will remain important to sustaining progress and addressing outstanding priorities,” Zenenga said.
As UNTMIS concludes its mandate, the UN has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to advance peace, stability and sustainable development through its remaining agencies and country presence.
