UNTMIS

On 31 October 2026, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) completed its two-year transition and ceased operations, pursuant to Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025) and in line with the request of the Federal Government of Somalia. This account is no longer active. For updates on UN's work for please visit:
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Somalia turns a page as UN political mission concludes after two decades of partnership

Mogadishu, 31 October 2026 – The two-year transition of the United Nations political mission in Somalia was completed today, in line with the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, bringing to a close more than three decades of United Nations’ sustained engagement supporting peacebuilding, state-building, governance and reconciliation in the country.

The closure of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) represents the final chapter in a continuum of political support that began with the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in 1995, continued through the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) from 2013, and entered its final transition phase as UNTMIS in 2024. Under the two-year roadmap for the transition, agreed between Somalia and the United Nations, UNTMIS responsibilities were progressively transferred to Somali institutions, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS).

“Today is not an end to the partnership between the United Nations and Somalia—rather, it marks the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another,” said UNTMIS’ Officer-in-Charge, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga.

Read full article: untmis.unmissions.org/en/news/somali…

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS)

On 31 October, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will complete its two-year transition and cease operations, pursuant to Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025) and in line with the request of the Federal Government of Somalia. This milestone brings to a close more than three decades of United Nations missions in support of peacebuilding, state-building, governance and reconciliation in Somalia. In accordance with the transition roadmap jointly agreed between the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations, the mandated functions of UNTMIS have been transferred to Somali institutions and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, reflecting Somalia's commitment to greater national ownership of its peacebuilding and state-building agenda.

The Secretary-General commends the progress achieved over the past decades towards building peace and security in Somalia. He commends the determination and resilience of the Somali people despite the many challenges they face, and acknowledges the tremendous efforts made on the country’s journey from conflict to recovery. The United Nations will continue to support Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working in partnership with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to advance peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.

Recognizing the significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges that remain, the Secretary-General calls for sustained international support to consolidate progress, advance inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen institutions, and promote and protect human rights. He also underscores the importance of continued support to address the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and enable a gradual and sustainable security transition.

The Secretary-General expresses his profound gratitude to his successive Special Representatives, all national and international personnel of UNTMIS and its predecessor missions, and to all those who have served for their dedication to advancing peace and state-building efforts, often under exceptionally difficult conditions. The Secretary-General also pays special tribute to those United Nations personnel who lost their lives in the service of peace in Somalia.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the enduring commitment of the United Nations to the people of Somalia and to supporting Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 26 October 2026

Full statement: untmis.unmissions.org/en/news/statem…

In #Mogadishu today, the Officer-in-Charge of @UNTMIS_ Raisedon Zenenga and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Salah Jama led a ceremony marking the end of the @UN political mission in Somalia, which will formally conclude on 31 October 2026. Senior government officials, representatives of Somalia's international partners and civil society organisations as well as senior personnel of the United Nations were in attendance.

"As UNTMIS concludes its mandate, we do so with gratitude for the trust and partnership extended to us, with pride in the dedication and achievements of UN personnel in Somalia, and deep respect for the resilience and determination of the Somali people," said Mr. Zenenga. "Above all, we leave with the conviction that the partnership between Somalia and the UN will endure, together with our shared hope for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Somalia."

Today is United Nations Day - a reminder of the importance of a strong and effective @UN in addressing today’s global challenges and building the world as it should be.

Read SG message: press.un.org/en/2026/sgsm23…