The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will cease operations on October 31, ending more than three decades of direct UN mission engagement dedicated to peacebuilding, state-building, governance, and national reconciliation.
This marks a pivotal shift in the UN’s long-standing relationship with Somalia. Mandated responsibilities previously carried out by UNTMIS are being systematically transferred to Somali federal institutions and resident UN agencies, funds, and programmes under a joint roadmap established between the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations.
UNTMIS is concluding its two-year transition in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025). Established in October 2024 to restructure the UN’s footprint following an official request from Mogadishu for greater self-governance, the mission was designed to guide this transfer of authority directly to local institutions.
In a statement issued on October 26, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the resilience of the Somali people and commended the significant progress achieved toward peace and security over recent decades. He acknowledged the collective efforts of Somali authorities, international partners, and UN personnel in aiding the country’s recovery from prolonged conflict.
Guterres expressed deep gratitude to successive Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, as well as the national and international staff who served under demanding and often hazardous conditions. He also paid solemn tribute to UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, honoring their service to international peace.
The UN confirmed that the mission’s closure does not signal a total withdrawal from the country. Instead, direct support will continue through specialized resident agencies working alongside Somali authorities, the African Union, and international stakeholders. Continued collaboration will center on advancing governance, human rights, economic stability, and sustainable development.
However, the UN chief cautioned that formidable political, security, humanitarian, and development hurdles remain, calling on the global community to maintain vital financial and diplomatic support to consolidate hard-won gains. Key priorities highlighted by Guterres include fostering inclusive political dialogue, deepening national reconciliation, reinforcing public institutions, and safeguarding fundamental rights.
Security remains a primary challenge, particularly the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, an armed group responsible for decades of violent insurgency. Guterres underscored the urgent necessity of sustained international defense and security assistance to counter the insurgent network, ensuring a gradual, stable transition as national forces assume primary responsibility for domestic security.
As UNTMIS draws to a close, Somalia enters its next phase of state-building with increased national ownership over its political trajectory. Guterres reaffirmed the organization’s enduring commitment to helping the Somali people build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future, emphasizing that strong, continued cooperation between Somalia and its international partners remains essential to preserving progress.
