The United Nations formally ended its political mission in Somalia
The United Nations ended its political mission in Somalia on Saturday, closing UNTMIS after a two-year transition and more than three decades of engagement. The closure followed a request from Somalia’s federal government, with the mission’s functions transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies. Raisedon Zenenga, UNTMIS officer-in-charge, said the closure marked “the conclusion of one chapter,” though challenges remain.
More context
The United Nations formally ended its political mission in Somalia on Saturday, concluding UNTMIS’s two-year handover and a political presence dating back more than three decades. The closure came at the Somali government’s request. In May 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked the UN to end the mission before its mandate expired, then revised his request to allow a two-year transition. UNTMIS’s mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes. The political presence began with the UN Political Office for Somalia in 1995, continued through the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia from 2013, and entered its final phase as UNTMIS in 2024. Raisedon Zenenga, UNTMIS officer-in-charge, said the closure marks “the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another.” He said significant challenges remain.
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Reporting
- Syrian Arab News Agency — UN formally concludes political mission in Somalia after 30 years
- The Hindu — UN ends its Somalia political mission after three decades - The Hindu
- Bloomberg — UN Ends Its Political Mission in Somalia After Three Decades - Bloomberg
- Somalia Today — UN closes political mission in Somalia after three decades
- TRT Afrika — UN political mission in Somalia closes after more than three decades - TRT Afrika
- Daily Sabah — UN wraps up 3-decade-long mission in conflict-hit Somalia | Daily Sabah
- hornobserver.com — UN Ends Three Decades of Political Mission in Somalia
- somaliguardian.com — UN mission in Somalia closes after three decades | Somali Guardian
Verifier’s note
SANA, Horn Observer, The Hindu, Bloomberg, Somalia Today, TRT Afrika, Daily Sabah, and Somali Guardian all report that the UN’s political mission in Somalia ended after more than three decades, following a two-year transition. Their publication dates place the reports within the relevant 24-hour period.