UN ends three-decade Somalia mission

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia ceased operations on Saturday, marking the end of more than 30 years of political engagement in the country. The mission said in a statement on X that it had completed a two-year transition process requested by the Somali government. This action formally closes a chapter that began during the nation's post-civil war reconstruction efforts.

Responsibilities previously held by the mission have been transferred to Somali institutions, various UN agencies, and the UN office supporting African Union troops. This transfer followed a roadmap agreed upon between the Somali government and the UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the progress made by Somalia but emphasized the need for continued international backing. He cited ongoing political, security, and humanitarian challenges as reasons for maintaining support.

The decision to close the mission follows years of strained relations between Somali governments and the UN body. Accusations of interference in domestic politics were frequently leveled against the mission during its tenure. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government formally requested the withdrawal in 2024. At a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama described the closure as a “day of victory.” He stated that the country was leaving behind the “era of transition.”

The departure occurs while international support for Somalia shrinks. The country faces deep political divisions and continuing violence. Opposition leaders reject the government’s claim that constitutional changes allow President Mohamud and parliament to remain in office until 2027. Relations with some regional leaders remain strained, and al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, continues to fight government forces. The UN mission had previously helped rival leaders reach election agreements, but no replacement for its mediation role has been agreed upon.

President Mohamud has invited political opponents to talks, though major opposition groups have not yet confirmed attendance. UN humanitarian and development agencies remain in the country, but their funding has faced severe cuts to international aid. In August, the UN children’s agency reported that 205 health and nutrition facilities had closed due to these reductions. African Union troops also remain to support Somali forces against al-Shabab. Their operations rely heavily on the UN office UNSOS for food, fuel, medical care, and transport.

The UNSOS office faces its own timeline for closure under a US-backed plan reported by Reuters in September. This plan could end the vital support by December 2027. The end of the UNTMIS mission signals a shift in how international actors engage with Somalia, moving from direct political mediation to a more fragmented support structure involving humanitarian agencies and peacekeeping logistics.