The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) concluded its operations on October 31, 2026, after completing a two-year transition programme requested by the Federal Government of Somalia and approved by the UN Security Council.
The closure brings an end to decades of UN-led political support aimed at strengthening government institutions, promoting national reconciliation and rebuilding a country that has experienced prolonged conflict and political instability.
However, the development does not mean the United Nations is leaving Somalia completely, as several of its agencies and support programmes will continue working with the government.
Somalia Takes Greater Responsibility After UN Mission Closure
The United Nations began its political engagement in Somalia in 1995 through the establishment of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), which supported international efforts to address the country’s political challenges.
Over the years, the organisation introduced different missions to respond to Somalia’s changing political and security needs.
In June 2013, the UN established the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), expanding its involvement in peacebuilding, governance and institutional development.
However, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2753 in October 2024, renaming UNSOM as the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia.
The new mission began operations on November 1, 2024, with a two-year mandate to transfer its responsibilities gradually to Somali institutions and other UN bodies.
During the transition, the mission supported constitutional reforms, electoral preparations, political dialogue and human rights protection. It also worked on strengthening the rule of law, justice systems and government institutions.
The process followed a transition roadmap jointly developed by the Somali government and the United Nations, with the aim of ensuring that important programmes continued after the mission’s departure.
UN Transfers Responsibilities to Somali Institutions
As part of the transition, the United Nations transferred the mission’s responsibilities to the Federal Government of Somalia, UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia.
The handover is expected to give national institutions a greater role in managing political reforms, coordinating development priorities and addressing governance challenges.
Raisedon Zenenga, the Officer-in-Charge of UNTMIS, described the closure as the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Somalia and the United Nations.
He explained that the transition was designed to preserve previous achievements while strengthening the capacity of Somali institutions to manage their responsibilities.
The UN has also acknowledged the progress Somalia has made in rebuilding its institutions and advancing peace and security.
Nevertheless, the organisation has called for continued international support because several challenges remain unresolved.
Security and Political Challenges Remain
Despite the closure of the political mission, Somalia continues to face serious security and governance concerns.
The Al-Shabaab militant group remains a major threat to national security, particularly through attacks on government facilities, security personnel and civilian communities.
The country also faces political disagreements involving governance arrangements, constitutional reforms and the relationship between federal and regional authorities.
These issues could complicate efforts to maintain political stability and sustain the progress achieved over the years.
The United Nations has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia through its remaining agencies and international partnerships.
Its continued involvement will focus on peace, security, humanitarian assistance, human rights and sustainable development.
The end of the UN political mission represents an important change in how the organisation supports Somalia. However, the success of the transition will depend largely on the ability of Somali institutions to maintain progress and address the country’s remaining challenges.