On November 1, 2026, the United Nations announced the closure of its 31‑year‑old political mission in Somalia, following a request from the Somali government and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. The announcement came from the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which has been engaged in the country since 1995 to support reconstruction and governance.
The UN said that its responsibilities have been transferred to Somali institutions and other UN agencies operating in Somalia, marking a new phase of cooperation between the UN and the Somali government. The move reflects progress in rebuilding national institutions and strengthening Somalia’s capacities, the statement added.
Officer‑in‑Charge of the UNTMIS, Raisedon Zenenga, said the mission’s closure does not mark the end of the partnership between the United Nations and Somalia, but rather the beginning of a new phase of cooperation. He added that Somalia has made “significant progress in rebuilding its institutions and strengthening its capacities since international efforts to support the country’s recovery began.”
According to the Somali National News Agency, the request for closure was made by the Somali government, and the transfer of duties was completed in line with the mission’s timeline. The announcement follows a series of steps aimed at consolidating the country’s political foundations and granting more autonomy to its local institutions.
