UN Political Mission in Somalia Ends Operations October 31

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will cease all operations on October 31, 2026, concluding a two-year transition process. Formalized by Security Council Resolutions 2753 and 2809, the closure follows a request from the Federal Government of Somalia to increase national ownership of state-building and peacebuilding efforts.

At a closing ceremony in Mogadishu on October 26, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama described the transition as a historic victory. UN officer in charge Raisedon Zenenga noted that the closure opens a new chapter for the country, though he clarified that it does not signal the end of UN support. Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed that the mission's mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies.

While the political mission ends, the UN will maintain a presence through resident agencies and programs focused on stability, human rights, and sustainable development. Security operations remain separate; the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) continues its fight against al-Shabaab with authorization through December 31, 2026, receiving logistical support from the UN Support Office in Somalia.