UN closes its political mission in Somalia
The government-requested transition is complete, while about 25 UN entities continue humanitarian and development work across Somalia.
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The government-requested transition is complete, while about 25 UN entities continue humanitarian and development work across Somalia.
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, known as UNTMIS, concluded on 31 October 2026, after completing a two-year transition requested by Somalia’s federal government, the mission said. Its closure ends the political mission, not the UN’s wider work in the country, where about 25 UN entities continue humanitarian and development support.
The mission previously helped rival leaders reach election agreements. No replacement for that mediation role has been agreed, Al Jazeera said.
Opposition leaders reject the government’s position that constitutional changes allow President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and parliament to remain in office until 2027, Al Jazeera reported.
Under the agreed transition roadmap, responsibilities gradually passed to Somali institutions, UN agencies, funds and programs, and the United Nations Support Office for Somalia, the mission said. The mission said all its functions had been transferred to Somali institutions or the UN Country Team. The handover aimed to strengthen national institutions while maintaining support for governance, constitutional review, reconciliation, elections, human rights and the rule of law.
Somalia’s government formally requested the mission’s withdrawal in 2024. The transition also reflected its request for national ownership and self-reliance.
George Conway, the UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia, said UN agencies, funds and programs would continue development, humanitarian and human rights activities with national and local authorities, civil society and the private sector.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk demands an urgent, independent and thorough investigation into Mohammad el-Shami’s death in Yemen, with full transparency from the Houthi authorities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Somalia’s progress but called for continued international backing amid political, security and humanitarian challenges, Al Jazeera reported.
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