Somali institutions and other U.N. bodies take over the mission’s work as Somalia faces a dispute over presidential and parliamentary terms and continued al-Shabab attacks.

The United Nations has ended its political mission in Somalia after more than three decades, transferring its responsibilities to Somali institutions and other U.N. bodies amid unresolved political disputes and continued security challenges.

Somalia takes over from UNTMIS

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) officially ceased operations on Oct. 31, completing a two-year transition requested by the Somali government in 2024.

The closure ends a succession of U.N. political missions that supported peacebuilding, reconciliation and state-building after the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991. The U.N.’s formal political engagement through successive missions dates back to 1995.

Under a transition roadmap agreed with the Somali government, UNTMIS transferred its responsibilities to Somali institutions, U.N. agencies and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia.

What the closure means for the U.N. in Somalia

The closure does not mean the U.N. is leaving the country. Humanitarian and development agencies will continue operating.

The support office will provide logistical assistance to African Union forces supporting Somali troops against al-Shabaab.

Dispute over presidential and parliamentary terms

The mission’s departure comes as Somalia faces an unresolved dispute over constitutional amendments that could extend the terms of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and parliament until 2027.

The government says the changes provide a legal basis for the extension. Opposition leaders reject that interpretation and argue that the current mandates have expired.

Talks have yet to resolve the disagreement, and there is no agreed replacement for the U.N. mission’s role in facilitating political dialogue.

Security and humanitarian pressures

The closure also comes amid continued al-Shabaab attacks and worsening humanitarian pressures linked to insecurity, drought and flooding.

The U.N. has called for continued international support as Somalia assumes greater responsibility for its peacebuilding and state-building agenda.