Somalia is asking the United Nations to terminate its political mission in the country as the government believes it is time to transition to the next phase of partnership. The decision to end the mission, known as UNSOM, followed a thorough consideration of strategic priorities, according to a letter from Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The mission, established in 2013, has been assisting the government in promoting peace and rebuilding stability in the face of attacks by the al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab.
The UNSOM mission has worked closely with African Union peacekeepers to support peace and reconciliation efforts and provide strategic policy advice on restoring peace and rebuilding a functioning state. The current mandate of the mission expires on October 31, and the Somali government has requested the swift conclusion of necessary procedures for the termination of the mission. The decision comes as the AU peacekeeping mission, known as ATMIS, is scaling back its presence in the country and is expected to turn over security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of the year after a three-month suspension due to fighting with al-Shabab.
Somalia has been working to rebuild stability and security in the country since it plunged into civil war in 1991 after the toppling of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. The government has made progress in establishing a functional transitional government in 2012, but faces challenges from attacks by al-Shabab, growing piracy, and conflict-related human rights abuses. Al-Shabab intensified attacks on Somali military bases last year after losing control of territory in rural areas to a military offensive called for by the Somali president in 2022.
In a letter dated May 5, the Somali Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to UNSOM for its crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the country. The government believes it is appropriate to transition to the next phase of partnership with the UN and its partners, focusing on long-term development priorities. The Somali government is ready to engage with all relevant parties in preparing for the complex transition process within the appropriate timeframe, as outlined in a follow-up letter dated May 9. The transition process will involve planning stages to shift from a political mission to a U.N. country team, which typically focuses on development issues.
In mid-February, the United States agreed to build up to five military bases for the Somali army to bolster its capabilities against threats from al-Shabab. The bases will be associated with the Somali military’s Danab Brigade, established in 2017 through a partnership with the U.S. to recruit, train, equip, and mentor 3,000 men and women from across Somalia to build a strong infantry capability within the Somali army. The Danab Brigade has been instrumental as a quick-reaction force in efforts to repel attacks by al-Shabab extremists. The decision to terminate the UNSOM mission and transition to the next phase of partnership with the UN reflects Somalia’s commitment to strengthening its security and stability in the face of ongoing threats.
