UN ends its Somalia political mission after 3 decades

In 1995, the UN established the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) to assist with the country's transition to democracy and the rule of law after decades of conflict. In 2013, UNPOS became the UN Political Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to continue this support. The mission concluded on Saturday after a transition period, marking the end of a chapter in UN peacebuilding efforts in Somalia that spanned more than three decades.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested the mission's termination in May 2024, leading to a two-year transition period during which UNSOM was renamed the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). UNTMIS officer-in-charge Raisedon Zenenga stated that while significant challenges persist, progress has been made since international efforts began.

The mission's responsibilities have been transferred to Somali institutions or the UN country team. Despite ongoing efforts, Al-Shabaab, a militant group, continues to control parts of central Somalia, and the fight against them faces funding cuts, particularly after the U.S. withdrew support for a key UN logistics mission. Somalia is scheduled to hold parliamentary and presidential elections in May, but persistent insecurity and opposition disputes could jeopardize the electoral process.