The UN Security Council passed a resolution enabling the transition of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the UN Country Team (UNCT) over a two-year period, following a request by Somalia’s government.
All 15 Council members supported the UK-led resolution, which establishes a temporary mission, UN Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), to oversee the transition from UNSOM to national authorities starting Nov. 1. This shift is expected to conclude by Oct. 31, 2026.
The UK’s UN envoy, Barbara Woodward, highlighted the resolution as pivotal for Somalia, commending UNSOM’s contributions since 2013 in areas like peace-building, policy guidance, and capacity development. She assured continued UK support to ensure a smooth transition.
This decision follows a Somali government announcement on May 9 to discontinue UNSOM’s activities, with an official request to end the mission’s mandate as it expired this October.
Since 2013, UNSOM has provided peace and governance recommendations, human rights monitoring, and coordinated international assistance in Somalia.
