UN announces UNTMIS mission in Somalia will end on 31 October

The United Nations issued a statement on 26 October announcing the approaching conclusion of its Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, UNTMIS. Operations are due to cease on 31 October after a two-year transition. This is an announcement of a forthcoming milestone, not a report that operations have already ended.

The statement by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric cites Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025), alongside the Somali federal government’s request. Under an agreed roadmap, mission functions have transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes.

The Secretary-General acknowledged progress in peacebuilding while recognising continuing political, humanitarian and security challenges. He called for sustained international support for inclusive dialogue, stronger institutions and human rights.

Ending UNTMIS does not mean the entire UN system is leaving Somalia. Resident agencies, funds and programmes will continue working with Somali authorities, the African Union and other partners. The statement also stresses addressing the Al-Shabaab threat and supporting a gradual, sustainable security transition. The date concerns this particular mission rather than every international operation.

Primary source: https://untmis.unmissions.org/en/news/statement-attributable-to-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-on-the-conclusion.

Cover: an AI-assisted Shanraq illustration, not a documentary photograph of the event.