The United Nations ended its political mission in Somalia on October 31, while its humanitarian and development agencies continued working in the country, according to UN News.
UN News reported that political missions had operated in Somalia for three decades before this closure. The transitional assistance mission, known as UNTMIS, hands recovery responsibilities to Somali institutions; other UN agencies will support their work, the report said.
Raisedon Zenenga, the UN’s deputy special representative for Somalia, said the closure followed progress in rebuilding national and federal institutions. He also said significant challenges remained and called for international engagement to continue. His assessment covered constitutional work, political inclusion, human rights and governance.
UN News reported that about 25 UN entities would remain involved in humanitarian and development work. It described continuing assistance in health, education, livelihoods and mine awareness.
The report cited conflict, drought and floods among the pressures facing Somalia. It said 4.8 million people needed humanitarian assistance in 2026. Aid agencies sought $852 million to assist 2.4 million people, and had received about 35% of the requested funding by mid-October.
The UN secretary-general has also called for support against Al-Shabaab and for Somalia’s security responsibilities to shift gradually and sustainably, according to the report.