NAIROBI, Kenya- The United Nations’ political mission in Somalia has concluded its two-year transition and ceased operations, closing more than three decades of UN political missions in the country.
The transition was completed on Saturday, October 31, in line with a request from Somalia’s Federal Government and Security Council resolutions.
Under a roadmap agreed by Somalia and the United Nations, the mission’s responsibilities were transferred progressively to Somali institutions, UN agencies and the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS).
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) was established in 2024 and began its two-year transition on November 1 that year.
It followed the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), established in 2013, and the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), which began operating in 1995.
Raisedon Zenenga, UNTMIS Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, said the closure marked a change in the partnership rather than its end.
“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,” Zenenga said.
In a statement ahead of the closure, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the mission’s mandated functions had been transferred under the joint transition roadmap, reflecting Somalia’s commitment to greater national ownership of its peacebuilding and state-building agenda.
UN support to continue through agencies
The closure applies to UNTMIS, the political mission, and does not end the United Nations’ presence in Somalia.
The UN Country Team, including its agencies, funds and programmes, will continue working with Somali authorities on national priorities.
UNSOS will also continue its separate mandate supporting UN operations in the country.
Guterres commended progress in peacebuilding and security while noting that Somalia continues to face political, security, humanitarian and development challenges.
He called for sustained international support, inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, stronger institutions and continued efforts to address the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
UNTMIS’ closure follows a transition requested by Somalia’s Federal Government and endorsed by the UN Security Council.
The Council’s 2025 resolution set October 31, 2026, as the date for the mission to cease operations after completing the second phase of the transition.
