The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will cease operations on October 31, 2026, marking the end of a two-year transition and more than three decades of United Nations missions supporting peacebuilding, governance and state-building in the Horn of Africa nation.
The closure follows United Nations Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025), as well as a request by the Federal Government of Somalia.
According to the UN Secretary-General, the mission’s mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes under a transition roadmap jointly agreed upon by the Somali government and the United Nations.
The transition is intended to strengthen national ownership of Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building agenda.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General commended the progress Somalia has made towards peace and security, praising the determination and resilience of its people despite decades of challenges.
He also acknowledged the efforts made by the country in its journey from conflict towards recovery.
Despite the mission’s closure, the United Nations said it would continue supporting Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working alongside Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners.
The support will focus on advancing peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.
However, the Secretary-General warned that significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges remain, calling for sustained international support to consolidate the gains made so far.
He urged stakeholders to promote inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen state institutions, and protect human rights.
The UN chief also underscored the need for continued assistance to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and facilitate a gradual and sustainable security transition.
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to successive Special Representatives, national and international personnel of UNTMIS and its predecessor missions, as well as others who have contributed to peace and state-building efforts under difficult conditions.
He also paid tribute to United Nations personnel who lost their lives while serving in Somalia.
“The Secretary-General reaffirms the enduring commitment of the United Nations to the people of Somalia and to supporting Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future,” Dujarric said.
The end of UNTMIS operations marks a significant shift in the United Nations’ engagement with Somalia, with greater responsibility for peacebuilding and state-building now resting on Somali institutions, while continued international support remains crucial to sustaining progress.
