The United Nations has shut its political mission in Somalia, bringing to an end more than three decades of support for the country’s recovery from civil war.
The mission, known as UNTMIS, stopped operating on Saturday after a two-year transition that the Somali government had requested, according to a statement the mission posted on X.
Duties passed to Somali institutions and UN agencies
Responsibilities have been moved step by step to Somali institutions, UN agencies and the UN office that supports African Union troops. The shift follows a roadmap agreed between Somalia and the UN.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Somalia’s progress but urged continued international support, pointing to political, security and humanitarian challenges. Relations between Somali governments and the mission had at times been strained, as its involvement in domestic politics repeatedly drew accusations of interference. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government formally requested the withdrawal in 2024.
Government hails closure amid political divisions
At a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama called the closure a “day of victory”, saying Somalia was leaving the “era of transition” behind.
The move comes as international support shrinks and the country faces deep political divisions and ongoing violence. Opposition leaders reject the government’s position that constitutional changes allow Mohamud and parliament to stay in office until 2027. Ties with some regional leaders are also strained, and al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, continues to fight government forces.
Gaps left by the mission and aid cuts
The UN mission had previously helped rival leaders reach election agreements, but no replacement for that mediation role has been agreed. Mohamud has invited political opponents to talks, although major opposition groups have yet to confirm they will attend.
UN humanitarian and development agencies remain in Somalia, but their funding has been badly hit by cuts to international aid. In August, the UN children’s agency said 205 health and nutrition facilities had closed because of the cuts.
African Union troops also remain to back Somali forces against al-Shabab, but their operations depend heavily on the separate UN office UNSOS, which provides food, fuel, medical care and transport. A report published in September said that support could end by December 2027 under a US-backed plan to close that office.
