Somalia Enters a New Chapter as UN Political Mission Ends After Decades of Support

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia will conclude its mandate on Oct. 31, ending a two-year transition phase as the country assumes greater responsibility for peacebuilding and state-building efforts, the United Nations said Monday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the mission would end its operations in accordance with Security Council resolutions and a request from Somalia’s federal government.

The closure marks the end of more than three decades of United Nations missions supporting peacebuilding, governance, state-building and reconciliation in Somalia, Dujarric said.

Under a transition roadmap agreed by the United Nations and Somali authorities, the mission’s responsibilities have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programs operating in the country.

The handover is intended to strengthen Somalia’s national ownership of its peacebuilding and state-building agenda as the government takes on greater responsibility for work previously carried out under the mission’s mandate.

Guterres praised progress in peacebuilding and security in Somalia over recent decades and commended the resilience of the Somali people despite persistent political, security, humanitarian and development challenges.

The secretary-general also called for continued international support to consolidate progress, promote inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen institutions, and protect human rights, Dujarric said.

The end of UNTMIS does not mean the United Nations is withdrawing from Somalia. The organization will continue its work through agencies, funds and programs based in the country, in cooperation with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners.

That support will focus on peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development, while backing Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

The transition comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its federal institutions and improve security amid an ongoing insurgency by the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab.

The closure of the political mission marks a change in the way the United Nations supports Somalia, with future assistance increasingly delivered through its country-based agencies and development programs.

GAROWE ONLINE