The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia will cease operations on 31 October, ending a two-year process to transfer its responsibilities to Somali institutions and other UN entities.
The closure follows a request from the federal government and Security Council resolutions governing the transition, the UN said in a statement published on 27 October. It said the mission’s mandated functions had been transferred under a roadmap agreed with Somali authorities.
Secretary-General António Guterres called for continued international support as Somalia confronts political disputes, insecurity and humanitarian needs. He urged assistance to counter Al-Shabaab and support a gradual transfer of security responsibilities.
UN agencies, funds and programmes will continue operating in Somalia. The closure applies to the political mission, known as UNTMIS, and does not end the wider UN presence in the country.
UNTMIS officer-in-charge Raisedon Zenenga said the transition had been managed through a joint technical committee with Somali officials. Responsibilities were being transferred to national institutions, the UN country team and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia.
In remarks at the closure ceremony, Zenenga said the mission had supported political dialogue alongside work on security, human rights, humanitarian assistance and the rule of law. He said the UN country team would continue supporting Somalia’s national priorities.
Separately, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Hamza Adan Hadow met AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye in Addis Ababa, according to local reports published on 29 October.
The discussions covered Somalia’s political, security and economic situation and coordination with the African Union, the reports said, citing information released by the Somali government.
Guterres’s statement also called for inclusive political dialogue, reconciliation and stronger institutions. It acknowledged continuing security and humanitarian challenges and said the UN would work with Somali authorities, the AU and other partners after the political mission closes.
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