By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 31 October 2026 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continuing its support for Somalia, despite the official conclusion of its dedicated political mission in the country, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
Guterres said the closure of UNTMIS does not mean the United Nations is ending its engagement with Somalia. Instead, support will continue through the organisation’s resident agencies, funds and programmes operating in the country.
In a statement published on his official X account, the Secretary-General said the United Nations would continue working in partnership with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to advance peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.
He also commended the progress Somalia has made in peacebuilding and security, praising the determination and resilience of the Somali people despite the political, security, humanitarian and development challenges that remain.
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The Secretary-General’s statement comes as Somalia enters a significant transition in the way the United Nations supports the country’s political processes, state-building and peacebuilding efforts.
According to Guterres, the responsibilities of UNTMIS have been transferred to Somali government institutions and other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes operating in the country. The transition is part of efforts to strengthen national ownership of Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building processes.
The conclusion of the mission was marked by an official ceremony in Mogadishu on October 26, 2026, attended by Somali government officials, diplomats and United Nations representatives.