End Of An Era: UN Winds Down Political Mission In Somalia After Historic Transition

The United Nations has officially closed its political mission in Somalia following a two-year transition process, ending more than three decades of UN political and peacebuilding operations in the country.

The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) completed its mandate on Saturday, with its remaining responsibilities transferred to Somali government institutions and the UN country team.

The closure followed a request made by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in May 2024, when he called for the withdrawal of the UN political mission before the expiration of its mandate in October of that year. However, the president later adjusted his position and proposed a two-year transition period to ensure a gradual transfer of responsibilities.

As part of the arrangement, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which had operated in the country since 2013, was renamed UNTMIS to oversee the transition process.

UNSOM was established by the UN Security Council to support Somali authorities in strengthening democratic governance, promoting the rule of law and rebuilding state institutions after years of conflict involving armed militias, Islamist groups and criminal networks. It succeeded the UN Political Office for Somalia, which began operations in 1995.

Speaking during the closure, Raisedon Zenenga, the UNTMIS officer-in-charge and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, stressed that the development did not represent the end of the relationship between the United Nations and Somalia.

Zenenga described the closure as the conclusion of one phase of cooperation and the beginning of another, adding that the UN remained committed to its partnership with the country.

He acknowledged that Somalia continued to face serious challenges but noted that considerable progress had been recorded since international recovery efforts began.

The transition comes at a difficult period for Somalia, which continues to battle insecurity caused by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group that has waged an insurgency against the government for nearly two decades.

Despite sustained military operations supported by international partners, Al-Shabaab remains active and retains control over parts of central Somalia. Efforts to contain the group have also been complicated by uncertainty surrounding international financial and logistical assistance.

The United States has withdrawn funding for a major UN logistics mission, raising concerns about the ability to sustain military operations against the insurgents.

Meanwhile, Somalia is expected to conduct parliamentary and presidential elections next May, although persistent security threats and disagreements involving opposition groups could create difficulties for the electoral process.

The closure of UNTMIS therefore marks a significant transition in Somalia’s relationship with the United Nations, as greater responsibility for political and institutional development shifts to Somali authorities amid continuing security and governance challenges.