SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The United Nations has officially ended its political mission in Somalia after more than three decades of political engagement and peacebuilding activities, marking a significant development in the country’s relationship with the international organization.
The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) formally completed its operations on Saturday, following a two-year transition program that saw its responsibilities transferred to Somali government institutions and other United Nations agencies operating in the country.
The closure concludes a process initiated in May 2024, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested that the UN terminate its political mission before the expiration of its mandate in October of that year.
However, the president later adjusted his position, proposing a two-year transition period to ensure that the mission’s responsibilities could be transferred gradually without disrupting ongoing programs. During the transition, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) was renamed UNTMIS.
UNSOM was originally established by the UN Security Council in 2013 to support Somalia’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote the rule of law, and rebuild governance structures after decades of conflict and political instability.
It succeeded the UN Political Office for Somalia, which began operations in 1995 amid widespread insecurity involving armed militias, extremist organizations, and criminal groups.
Reacting to the official closure, Raisedon Zenenga, UNTMIS officer-in-charge and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, emphasized that the development should not be interpreted as the end of cooperation between Somalia and the international organization.
He explained that the conclusion of the mission represented a transition into a new phase of partnership, rather than a complete withdrawal of UN support.
Zenenga acknowledged that Somalia continued to face serious challenges but noted that the country had recorded considerable progress since the beginning of international recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Despite the transition, security remains a major concern, particularly because of persistent attacks by Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant organization that has battled the Somali government for approximately two decades.
The group continues to maintain influence and control over parts of central Somalia despite sustained military operations involving Somali forces and international partners.
Concerns have also emerged over the future financing of security operations following the withdrawal of United States funding for a key UN logistics mission.
Meanwhile, Somalia is preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for May 2027. However, insecurity and political disagreements involving opposition groups could complicate preparations and threaten the credibility of the electoral process.
SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The closure of the UN political mission represents an important milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen national sovereignty and take greater responsibility for its political future.
However, ending an international mission does not automatically translate into lasting peace, political stability, or institutional independence. The continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab, financial uncertainty surrounding military operations, and disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections remain significant obstacles.
The Somali government must demonstrate that its institutions are sufficiently prepared to manage the responsibilities transferred by the UN.
Ultimately, the success of this transition will depend on Somalia’s ability to strengthen democratic governance, protect its citizens, and sustain security operations. The end of the UN mission should therefore be viewed not simply as a departure but as a test of the country’s capacity to manage its own future.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
