Somalia Requests Termination of UN Political Mission

Mogadishu, Somalia - The Somali government has formally requested the United Nations to end its political mission in Somalia (UNSOM) by October 31, the date the current mandate is set to expire.

This request was articulated in a letter from Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizing Somalia's shift towards focusing on long-term development priorities amidst ongoing security challenges.

UNSOM has been pivotal in aiding peace and reconciliation efforts, offering strategic policy advice, and promoting human rights and gender equality in collaboration with the African Union peacekeepers.

While acknowledging the mission’s significant contributions to the nation's stability, Fiqi expressed Somalia's readiness to transition from UNSOM's political mandate to a UN country team dedicated to addressing development issues.

This transition plan comes at a critical time when Somalia faces heightened threats from the al-Qaida-linked extremist group, al-Shabab, which has escalated its attacks across the country.

The Somali government's decision underscores a strategic pivot towards enhancing its developmental framework and security apparatus in cooperation with international partners.

Recently, the United States disclosed plans to establish up to five military bases to bolster the Somali army’s capabilities against such threats.

Additionally, the Danab Brigade, a rapid-response unit formed under a US-Somalia agreement in 2017, has been central to counteracting al-Shabab’s operations.

The move to end UNSOM's mandate is seen as a significant step in Somalia’s assertive approach to taking greater control of its national security and development agenda.

The Somali government's proposal highlights its commitment to a new phase of partnership with the United Nations, focusing more on sustainable development while continuing to combat the persistent threat of terrorism.