By - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 26 Oct 2026 — Somalia has moved beyond its transitional period and is now fully in charge of its own affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama said on Monday, speaking at a United Nations ceremony marking the closure of its political mission in the country.
Jama called it a “historic day,” saying the end of the mission showed that Somalia had become a constitutional, federal state governed by democratic processes and in control of most of its own security.
“This ceremony signals that Somalia has left behind the era of transition and difficult problems, and that it is a country with its own affairs, destiny and statehood, independent and with its own voice,” Jama told reporters.
He said Somalia was now a country that respects its constitution, follows a federal system, is working toward democracy by returning decisions to the people, and holds most of its own security in its hands.
Jama said the UN would maintain the kind of relationship it has with any ordinary member state, working with Somalia on development and other global issues.
He contrasted the moment with a time when Somalia was a fixture on the Security Council’s agenda as a country in crisis, when, he said, the world would call for help because of its situation.
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“Today, the tables have turned. The Security Council has Somalia seated in it, as one of the 15 countries consulted on international matters,” he said.
He also pointed to Somalia’s place in the East African regional market, its moves toward joining the World Trade Organization and its engagement with major international financial institutions.
Jama said the country was now focused on fighting its enemies, educating its young people and strengthening its laws, describing Somalia as a democratic, constitutional and federal nation that is moving forward.
He thanked UN staff who had worked in the country “in difficult circumstances,” but said the main remaining challenges were development, good governance and meeting the needs of citizens.
“It is a day of victory, a historic day. We congratulate the Somali people and thank the friends who worked with us,” he said.
The current UN mission, the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), succeeded the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in November 2024 and is set to end operations on Oct. 31, 2026, after a two-year transition requested by the Somali government.