UN Ends Somalian Political Mission After 30 Years
The United Nations political mission in Somalia (UNSOM) ended yesterday after a two-year transition, closing a chapter of more than three decades of UN peace-building operations in the East African
After 30 years, the United Nations political mission in Somalia, known as UNSOM, has concluded its operations. Established in 2013 by the UN Security Council, UNSOM aimed to assist Somali authorities in transitioning to democracy and the rule of law following decades of conflict involving various groups. Originally the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in 1995, the mission was renamed the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) in May 2024 as part of a two-year transition period.
The transition was requested by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in May 2024, with the mandate set to expire in October of the same year. UNTMIS officer-in-charge Raisedon Zenenga stated that the mission's closure marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, despite acknowledging that significant challenges persist.
The transfer of mandates to Somali institutions or the UN country team signifies the transition's completion. However, Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab continues to control large areas of central Somalia, posing ongoing security challenges. The fight against the group is further complicated by international funding cuts, particularly after the United States withdrew support for a crucial 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.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
