UN Security Council Votes for Two-Year Withdrawal of Political Mission in Somalia

New York, NY – The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to initiate a two-year withdrawal of its political mission in Somalia, a mission that has been active in the East African nation since its establishment in 2013. The decision responds to a request from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has been advocating for the country’s transition from chronic instability.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) was created to assist Somali authorities in their efforts to establish democracy and uphold the rule of law following over two decades of conflict involving militias, Islamist groups, and criminal gangs. In May, President Mohamud’s administration requested the termination of UNSOM’s mandate upon its expiration in October. However, they later revised their request, proposing a two-year transition period instead.

The Security Council’s resolution, which sets October 31, 2026, as the deadline for the mission’s complete withdrawal, has resulted in a rebranding of UNSOM as the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). During the first year of this transitional phase, the mission will prioritize the facilitation of free and fair elections and the protection of human rights. As the year progresses, certain responsibilities will gradually be transferred to Somali authorities, marking a significant step in the country’s path towards self-governance.

The deployment of UN missions typically requires the consent of the host nation, and in recent years, the UN has faced increasing resistance in various African countries. The transition outlined by the Security Council reflects a shift towards empowering Somali leadership while ensuring the continuation of support in critical areas.

As Somalia looks to regain stability and bolster its governance structures, the international community will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds in the coming years.