By Hassan Adan
The United Nations will end its political mission in Somalia on October 31, closing a chapter of more than three decades of UN missions supporting peacebuilding, state-building and reconciliation in a country still grappling with insecurity, political divisions and humanitarian challenges.
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will cease operations after completing a two-year transition under a roadmap agreed with the Federal Government of Somalia, with its remaining functions transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes.
In a statement issued on October 26, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the progress Somalia has made towards peace and security but warned that significant challenges remain.
“The United Nations will continue to support Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working in partnership with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to advance peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development,” the statement said.
The closure follows Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025), which established the framework for the mission’s transition and set October 31, 2026, as the deadline for ending its operations.
The decision reflects Somalia’s request for greater national ownership of its peacebuilding and state-building agenda, with responsibilities previously carried out by the political mission now transferred to national institutions and other UN entities.
The transition comes as Somalia continues to confront the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, disagreements over political and electoral processes, and the challenge of strengthening state institutions after decades of conflict.
UN Calls for Continued International Support
While commending Somalia’s progress, Guterres urged the international community to maintain its support as the country assumes greater responsibility for its political and security priorities.
Recognising the political, security, humanitarian and development challenges facing Somalia, the Secretary-General called for sustained international assistance to consolidate existing gains, strengthen institutions and promote inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation.
“He also underscores the importance of continued support to address the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and enable a gradual and sustainable security transition,” the statement said.
The UN has reaffirmed that its broader presence in Somalia will continue through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working alongside the federal government, other Somali authorities, the African Union and international partners.
UNTMIS was established on November 1, 2024, following a Security Council decision to rename the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and begin a two-year transition of its functions.
The transition was designed to take place in two phases, with the first running from November 2024 to October 2025 and the second from November 2025 to October 2026.
The mission’s work covered key areas of Somalia’s state-building agenda, including constitutional review, electoral processes, human rights, the rule of law, justice, security sector support and coordination of international assistance.
It also supported efforts to strengthen governance and reconciliation, working with Somali authorities and international partners on priorities linked to the country’s recovery from prolonged conflict.
Under the transition roadmap, responsibilities were progressively transferred to the Federal Government of Somalia, other Somali institutions and the UN country team.
Security Council Resolution 2809 (2025) confirmed that UNTMIS would cease operations on October 31, 2026, following completion of the second phase.
Despite progress in rebuilding state institutions, Somalia continues to face a serious security threat from Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against the federal government and its international partners for years.
Somali security forces, supported by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, continue operations aimed at weakening the militant group and improving security in areas affected by the conflict.
The UN Secretary-General’s statement emphasised the need for continued assistance to address the threat and ensure a gradual and sustainable security transition.
The Security Council’s Resolution 2809 (2025) extended AUSSOM’s authorisation until December 31, 2026
The Secretary-General called for sustained international support to help Somalia address these challenges and protect human rights.
reconciliation and the rule of law.
The Secretary-General also paid tribute to UN personnel who lost their lives while serving in Somalia.
“The Secretary-General reaffirms the enduring commitment of the United Nations to the people of Somalia and to supporting Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future,” the statement said.
