The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has begun a process to identify licensed auction companies to sell equipment and other assets owned by the United Nations in Somalia.
According to a notice published on the UN Global Marketplace, UNSOS is seeking licensed companies operating in Somalia to conduct auctions of UN property.
The assets listed for auction include vehicles, computers and laptops, networking equipment, telephones, generators, office equipment, electrical supplies and construction materials.
The list also includes shipping containers, prefabricated accommodation units, medical and laboratory equipment, as well as heavy machinery.
UNSOS has invited interested companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The deadline for submissions is 11 August 2026.
The move comes as Somalia continues to rely heavily on international support for its security and development needs.
Some political analysts have described the planned disposal of UN assets as a sign of growing international frustration over what they see as limited progress in Somalia, recurring political disputes over power, delays in the country’s security transition and a longstanding dependence on international assistance.
The African Union, countries contributing troops to Somalia and Somali political leaders whose terms of office have expired have in recent weeks held meetings aimed at persuading the United States and the United Nations to extend their support for Somalia.
They have argued that withdrawing or significantly reducing international assistance could have serious security and economic consequences, amid continuing concerns over the country’s ability to assume full responsibility for its security.
The United Nations has not indicated that the auction itself represents a withdrawal from Somalia, and the disposal of surplus or unneeded assets can form part of the normal operations of international missions.
