UN to continue supporting Somalia after closure of transitional mission

NEW YORK – The United Nations (UN) has pledged to continue supporting Somalia through its agencies and international partners following the closure of its transitional mission in the country.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the organisation would maintain its presence in Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working with the country’s authorities and the African Union (AU) to advance peace, stability and development.

Guterres made the announcement on Saturday, October 31, the same day the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) was scheduled to cease operations after more than two decades of involvement in the country’s peacebuilding efforts.

In a statement shared on his X account, Guterres said the UN would continue working with Somali authorities and international partners despite the closure of the mission.

“The UN will continue to support Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working in partnership with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to advance peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development,” he stated.

Guterres also commended the progress Somalia had made over the years, praising the resilience of its people despite the challenges facing the country.

“I commend the progress achieved and the determination and resilience of the Somali people despite the many challenges they face,” he added.

The UN chief expressed gratitude to personnel who had served in UNTMIS and its predecessor missions, paying tribute to those who lost their lives while working to promote peace in Somalia.

He, however, acknowledged that the country continued to face significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges.

“Recognizing the significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges that remain, I call for sustained international support to consolidate progress, advance inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen institutions and protect human rights,” Guterres stated.

The closure of UNTMIS follows a two-year transition process that began in November 2024 after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2753 (2024).

The process was initiated following a request by Somalia’s federal government to transfer greater responsibility for the country’s governance, peacebuilding and security affairs to local institutions.