UN Political Mission Ends in Somalia with No Agreed Replacement to Handle Election Dispute

The United Nations’ political mission in Somalia ends Saturday, closing more than three decades of successive U.N. missions that helped rebuild a country shattered by civil war and leaving no agreed replacement to help rival leaders resolve disputes. The government calls the closure a milestone in Somalia’s ability to manage its own affairs. But opposition figures and analysts warn that it comes at a time when the president’s right to remain in office is contested, militants fight on and drought deepens humanitarian needs. Somalia’s government asked the U.N. to close the mission in 2024. The Security Council approved a two-year handover of its work to Somali institutions and other U.N. bodies. The departing United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia has advised Somali leaders and helped resolve political disputes. African Union troops will continue supporting Somali forces fighting militants, and U.N. aid agencies will remain in the country. A separate U.N. office will continue providing supplies, transport and other support to African Union troops and some Somali security units. AP