UNSC Approves Somalia Mission Overhaul

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) shall transition to the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) following the request by the federal government of Somalia, the UN Security Council made the decision, Wednesday, with the new outfit set to operate within the next two years.

The resolution, which was circulated by the UK, gained the favor of all 15 members of the Council. The government of Somalia is gradually pushing for the exit of foreign teams as the stabilization strategy gathers momentum.

Within the next two years, all the United Nations support activities in Somalia will be referred to as the UN Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). The support mission is critical in helping various institutions while offering required support to those affected by the conflict.

The resolution noted that the transfer of responsibilities from UNSOM to UNTMIS and national authorities will begin Nov. 1, with the process expected to conclude Oct. 31, 2026. The transition coincides with that of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which is set to become the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

UK envoy to the UN Barbara Woodward described the vote on the resolution as the "beginning of a crucial period for Somalia."

"UNSOM has played an important role since its inception in 2013, supporting peacebuilding and state building in Somalia through implementing its good offices, policy guidance, coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building functions," she said.

Woodward pledged the UK's support to "all relevant stakeholders to ensure this transition is progressive and phase."

The Somali government announced on May 9 its decision to halt the activities of UNSOM. A letter by the Foreign Ministry to the UN requested that UNSOM activities end and the mission's mandate, set to expire in October, not be renewed.

UNSOM, active in Somalia since 2013, has provided various strategic recommendations on peace and government-building, monitored the human rights situation, and coordinated international aid to support Somalia, the United Nations Security Council said.

GAROWE ONLINE