Somalia: UN closes its political mission after more than thirty years, Mogadishu claims victory

The United Nations closed its political mission in Somalia on Saturday, October 31, 2026, ending more than three decades of efforts aimed at supporting the country's reconstruction after the civil war. The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, UNTMIS, ceased its activities at the end of a two-year transition requested by the Somali government, the mission announced on the X network, reports Al Jazeera.

Its responsibilities have been gradually transferred to Somali institutions, UN agencies, and UNSOS, the UN office that supports African Union troops, according to a roadmap agreed upon between Mogadishu and the United Nations.

"A day of victory"

During a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama hailed a "day of victory," stating that Somalia was now leaving "the era of transition." The government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had officially requested this withdrawal in 2024.

This departure concludes years of sometimes tense relations between successive Somali governments and the UN mission, whose involvement in domestic political life had earned the UN repeated accusations of interference. Secretary-General António Guterres praised the country's progress while calling for continued international support.

A mediator leaves without a replacement

However, the UN mission had, in the past, helped rival leaders reach agreements on organizing elections, and no replacement mechanism has been established for this mediation. At the same time, the armed group Al-Shabab, linked to Al-Qaeda, continues to clash with government forces.

However, the UN mission had, in the past, helped rival leaders reach agreements on organizing elections, and no replacement mechanism has been established for this mediation function. At the same time, the armed group Al-Shabab, linked to Al-Qaeda, continues to clash with government forces.

Aid is shrinking, African troops depend on the UN

African Union soldiers remain on the ground alongside Somali forces. Their operations depend largely on UNSOS, which provides them with food, fuel, medical care, and transport. This support could end by December 2027, as part of a plan supported by Washington to close this office, according to a Reuters report published in September 2026 and cited by Al Jazeera. Regained sovereignty therefore comes with a major unknown for the country's security.

As for the African Union soldiers, they remain on the ground alongside Somali forces. Their operations depend largely on UNSOS, which provides them with food, fuel, medical care, and transport. This support could end by December 2027, as part of a plan supported by Washington to close this office, according to a Reuters report published in September 2026 and cited by Al Jazeera. Regained sovereignty therefore comes with a major unknown for the country's security.