Mogadishu, Oct 30:
The United Nations’ political mission in Somalia is set to end on Saturday, bringing to a close more than three decades of successive UN missions in the country, but without an agreed replacement mechanism to help resolve disputes between rival political leaders.
The closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) comes at a sensitive time, with disagreements over the president’s right to remain in office and the country’s electoral arrangements. Opposition figures and analysts have warned that the end of the mission could leave a gap in political mediation even as security and humanitarian challenges persist.
The Somali government had requested the closure of the mission in 2024, describing the move as an important step towards managing its own affairs. The UN Security Council subsequently approved a two-year transition, under which the mission’s responsibilities were to be transferred to Somali institutions and other UN agencies.
UNTMIS has played a role in advising political leaders and helping resolve disputes. Its departure marks a major change in the UN’s engagement with Somalia, which has faced prolonged instability since the collapse of its central government in 1991 following the overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre. Fighting between rival clan-based factions left the country without an effective central administration for years.
However, the end of the political mission does not mean that all UN and international operations will stop. UN agencies providing humanitarian assistance will continue their work, while African Union troops will remain to support Somali forces fighting militant groups. A separate UN office will also continue providing logistical support, including supplies and transport, to African Union forces and some Somali security units.
The immediate concern is whether Somali institutions can manage political disagreements and the electoral dispute without the mediation role previously provided by the UN mission. The transition is being presented by the government as a milestone in national ownership, but its success will depend on the ability of political leaders to reach an understanding and maintain stability.