The United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) is set to conclude its operations on October 31, following the completion of a two-year transition plan that transfers responsibilities to Somali government institutions and other United Nations agencies.
The decision follows a request from the Federal Government of Somalia and marks the end of an important phase of the United Nations’ presence in the country.
According to the United Nations, the transfer of UNTMIS responsibilities was carried out under a plan jointly agreed upon by Somalia and the UN, in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
The responsibilities being transferred include support for state-building, peacebuilding, governance and reconciliation. The transition is intended to strengthen the role of Somali national institutions in leading these efforts.
Despite the conclusion of UNTMIS, the United Nations will continue its engagement in Somalia. UN agencies and programmes operating in the country are expected to maintain their cooperation with the Somali government.
The UN Secretary-General has commended Somalia’s progress in peace and security over the past decade, while recognising the resilience of the Somali people amid years of conflict and political and humanitarian challenges.
He has also called on the international community to continue supporting Somalia, noting that security and political challenges remain, including the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
The United Nations has said it will continue working with the Somali government, the African Union and other international partners to strengthen national institutions and support security efforts.
UNTMIS, previously known as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), is concluding as part of a broader transition aimed at placing greater responsibility in the hands of Somali institutions. However, continued support for security and institution-building remains important as the country enters the next phase.
The Secretary-General has also expressed gratitude to the Somali and international staff who served with UNTMIS and previous United Nations missions in Somalia.
The end of UNTMIS on October 31 will mark the conclusion of the mission, but not the end of cooperation between Somalia and the United Nations.
The next phase will focus on how Somali institutions carry forward the responsibilities transferred to them, while international support continues to contribute to security, state-building and stability in the country.
