UN Ends Thirty-Year Political Mission in Somalia as Local Institutions Take Over

The United Nations has shut down its political mission in Somalia. That decision marks the end of a thirty-year push to help the country recover from civil war. The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, known as UNTMIS, stopped operations on Saturday. It completed a two-year transition process at the request of the Somali government. The mission confirmed the news in a statement posted on X.

Responsibilities shifted gradually to local institutions. UN agencies took over duties, as did the office supporting African Union troops. This followed a roadmap agreed upon by Somalia and the UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the progress. Yet he urged the international community to keep backing Somalia. The nation still faces serious political, security, and humanitarian hurdles.

Relations between Somali governments and the UN were often tense. Accusations of interference in domestic politics flared repeatedly. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration formally asked for the withdrawal in 2024. Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama spoke at a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday. He called it a “day of victory.” He said Somalia was leaving the “era of transition” behind.

International support is shrinking. The country deals with deep political divisions and ongoing violence. Opposition leaders reject the government’s claim that constitutional changes keep President Mohamud and parliament in office until 2027. Tensions with some regional leaders remain high. Al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, continues fighting government forces.

The UN mission helped rival leaders reach election agreements. No replacement for that mediation role has been agreed upon. Mohamud invited political opponents to talks. Major opposition groups have not confirmed they will attend. UN humanitarian and development agencies stay in Somalia. Funding for them has suffered heavily from cuts to international aid. In August, the UN children’s agency reported that 205 health and nutrition facilities closed due to these budget reductions.

African Union troops remain to support Somali forces against al-Shabab. Their operations rely heavily on a separate UN office called UNSOS. That office provides food, fuel, medical care, and transport. This support could end by December 2027. A US-backed plan aims to close the office providing these services. Reuters reported this in September.