Hassan Proposes Major Changes to UN Operations in Somalia

New York (Caasimada Online) — The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has called for a major change in the way the United Nations operates in Somalia, stating that a significant portion of international support still bypasses government systems.

The President, speaking on Thursday at the United Nations General Assembly, stated that after more than 30 years of significant UN operations in Somalia, international support needs to be closely aligned with national priorities and plans.

He noted that most of the UN support still goes through what he termed "parallel systems, fragmented projects, and methods outside the government budget."

According to him, this approach makes it difficult for the government to effectively plan, coordinate finances and projects, and measure the outcomes of international support.

"Somalia is not asking for the United Nations to leave," said President Hassan Sheikh.

Instead, he called for a new partnership led by Somali agencies to implement projects, based on accountability and measurable results.

The President stated that international support should strengthen leadership and national institutions, rather than replace or bypass them.

He also criticized the notion that countries like Somalia do not have the capacity to manage their own development through their internal agencies.

Hassan Sheikh stated that it is time to throw that idea into the "dustbin of history," arguing that Somalia today has professionals, institutions, and policies capable of leading the country's development agenda.

Change in UN Operations

The President's remarks come at a time when the United Nations is nearing the end of a two-year process to conclude its political mission in Somalia.

The UN's Temporary Mission in Somalia, UNTMIS, will replace the UNSOM mission in November 2024, after the federal government requested a gradual transfer of responsibilities to Somali authorities.

The UN Security Council has established a framework for transferring responsibilities to Somali agencies, the UN team in the country, and other partners.

UNTMIS is expected to completely conclude its operations by October 31, 2026, upon completion of the second phase of the transition plan.

This will conclude the UN's specific political mission in Somalia, but it does not mean that the United Nations is leaving the country.

UN agencies, funds, and various programs will continue their operations in Somalia.

President Hassan Sheikh acknowledged the role of UN personnel in Somalia and other countries, but stated that efforts to make the UN a cohesive, efficient agency that delivers visible results have not yet reached the expected level.

His remarks are also part of a broader effort by the federal government to gain more power and control over development programs that have long been managed by international systems.

Prevention Instead of Waiting

President Hassan Sheikh also called for a change in the way international funding is utilized, with more investment directed towards prevention of crises, community resilience, and proactive measures.

He cited estimates by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, which indicate that every dollar spent on preventive measures, resilient infrastructure, or proactive actions can save between three to fifteen dollars in future losses and emergency responses.

The President stated that Somalia can no longer be a country where the international community constantly spends money on the aftermath of conflicts, while providing minimal funding for peacebuilding.

He also mentioned that it is inappropriate to spend large amounts of money annually on humanitarian aid without adequately funding the capacity of communities and the government to prevent recurring crises.

Hassan Sheikh emphasized that building strong governmental institutions is crucial for changing this system.

The government is currently implementing the National Transformation Plan, while also making efforts to strengthen...