The United Nations has closed its political mission in Somalia after responsibilities were transferred to national institutions and other UN bodies. Humanitarian agencies and African Union troops remain. The departure follows the government’s withdrawal request and comes amid a dispute over presidential and parliamentary terms, with no agreed successor to the mission’s election mediation.
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, the UN political mission supporting national institutions, ended operations on 31 October. Its responsibilities passed to Somali institutions and other UN bodies under an agreed roadmap. The closure completes the two-year transition requested by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government in 2024.[1], [2]
The mission had helped rival leaders negotiate election agreements. Its departure comes while opposition leaders dispute the government’s position that constitutional changes extend the president’s and parliament’s terms to 2027. No replacement for that mediation role has been agreed. Mohamud invited opponents to talks; major opposition groups had not confirmed participation.[1]
Humanitarian and development agencies continue working in Somalia, alongside African Union troops supporting Somali forces against al-Shabab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda. Those troops rely on a separate UN support office for food, fuel, medical care and transport. Secretary-General António Guterres called for continued international support amid the country’s political, security and humanitarian challenges.[1]
