UN closes Somalia political mission, ending more than three decades of engagement

The United Nations has closed its political mission in Somalia, ending more than three decades of engagement aimed at helping the country rebuild after civil war.

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) formally ceased operations on Saturday. The mission said in a statement on X that the closure followed the completion of a two-year transition requested by the Somali government.

The mission's responsibilities have gradually been transferred to Somali institutions, UN agencies and the UN office that supports African Union troops, under a roadmap agreed between Somalia and the United Nations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Somalia's progress. At the same time, he called for continued international backing for the country amid its political, security and humanitarian challenges.

At a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama described the closure as a 'day of victory'. He said Somalia was now leaving behind the 'era of transition'.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government formally requested the mission's withdrawal in 2024. Before that, relations between Somali governments and the mission had at times been strained, with repeated accusations that it interfered in domestic politics.

The departure comes as international support for Somalia is shrinking, even though the country faces deep political divisions and continuing violence. Opposition leaders reject the government's position that constitutional changes allow President Mohamud and parliament to remain in office until 2027.

Relations with some regional leaders are also strained, while al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, continues to fight government forces.

The UN mission previously helped rival leaders reach election agreements, but no replacement for that mediation role has been agreed. President Mohamud has invited political opponents to talks, although major opposition groups have yet to confirm their attendance.

UN humanitarian and development agencies remain in Somalia, but their funding has been hit hard by cuts to international aid. In August, the UN children's agency said 205 health and nutrition facilities had closed because of aid cuts.

African Union troops also remain to support Somali forces against al-Shabab, but they depend heavily on a separate UN office, UNSOS, for food, fuel, medical care and transport. The Reuters news agency reported in September that, under a US-backed plan, that support office could also close by December 2027.