UN mission in Somalia to end operations on Oct. 31 after decades of support

'This milestone brings to a close more than three decades of United Nations missions in support of peacebuilding, state-building, governance and reconciliation in Somalia,’ says spokesman

The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will conclude its mandate on Oct. 31, ending a two-year transition and more than three decades of UN missions supporting peacebuilding, governance and state-building in the country, a UN official said Monday.

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

advertisements “This milestone brings to a close more than three decades of United Nations missions in support of peacebuilding, state-building, governance and reconciliation in Somalia,” Dujarric said.

The closure follows a jointly agreed transition roadmap under which UNTMIS’s mandated responsibilities have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes.

Guterres reaffirmed that the UN would continue supporting Somalia through its resident agencies and programmes, working with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to promote peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development, Dujarric said.

“Recognizing the significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges that remain, the Secretary-General calls for sustained international support to consolidate progress, advance inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen institutions, and promote and protect human rights,” he added.

Dujarric stressed that Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to the people of Somalia and to supporting Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.