Somalia has formally requested the termination of the mandate for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) when it expires in October 2024, signaling a new phase in the country’s partnership with the UN.
In a letter to the President of the UN Security Council, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ahmed Moalim Figi stated that following “a thorough consideration of our strategic priorities” the government will not seek a renewal of Resolution 2705 that authorizes UNSOM’s presence.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the support and cooperation extended by the United Nations Mission throughout its mandate in Somalia,” the letter stated. “The dedication and hard work of the mission has played a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and development in our country.”
Established in 2013, UNSOM has worked to support the Federal Government of Somalia with peacebuilding, state-building, and governance efforts as the country recovered from decades of conflict. Its priorities included backing the political process, security sector reform, economic development, and humanitarian assistance coordination.
The Somali government stated that due to “successful collaboration” with UNSOM, “we believe that it is now appropriate to transition to the next phase of our partnership.” Somalia aims to continue cooperating with the UN on sustainable development goals beyond UNSOM’s departure.
The request calls for the “swift conclusion of the necessary procedures” to terminate UNSOM’s mandate by its scheduled October 2024 end date. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a copy of the letter.
However, some regional analysts have cautioned that a premature UNSOM exit could jeopardize fragile gains.
HORSEED MEDIA
