The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2753 (2024) today, initiating a significant transition of its assistance mission in Somalia. The resolution transforms the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, marking the beginning of a planned two-year drawdown of UN operations in the country.
The transition will commence on November 1, with the first phase running through October 31, 2025. The Security Council has set October 31, 2026, as the target date for completing the full transfer of responsibilities to Somalia’s national authorities and the UN country team.
Key priorities for the transitional mission include:
- Supporting state-building efforts and the constitutional review process
- Facilitating free and fair elections
- Promoting human rights protection
- Strengthening rule of law and security sector reform
- Coordinating international donor support
- Streamlining UN efforts in Somalia
Somalia’s representative welcomed the resolution, emphasizing the government’s commitment to working closely with the transition team and UN country team on long-term development initiatives. The Somali government specifically requested the two-year transition period to consolidate progress made in state-building processes.
Several Security Council members, including the United Kingdom and United States, expressed strong support for the transition while highlighting UNSOM’s vital role since its establishment in 2013. China and Russia emphasized the importance of respecting Somali leadership and ownership of the process, with particular focus on increasing local procurement and employment opportunities during the transition period.
The resolution represents a significant step toward transferring greater responsibility to Somali authorities while maintaining international support through a more streamlined UN presence. The emphasis on local ownership and capacity-building suggests a careful balance between maintaining necessary international assistance and promoting Somalia’s path toward full sovereignty in managing its national affairs.
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