Somali Government Requests End to UN Mission in Somalia, Citing Strategic Priorities

By: Hassan Yarrow

NAIROBI—The Somali government has requested the United Nations to end the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Mogadishu cited “strategic priorities” as the reason for this request.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moalim Fiqi (pictured above) said that the government was requesting a swift conclusion to the necessary procedures for terminating the mission by October this year.

The government noted that they will no longer seek the renewal of resolution 2705 (2023).

The statement reads, “Due to the successful collaboration between the Government of Somalia and the United Nations Mission, we believe it is now appropriate to move to the next phase of our partnership.

We are confident that the achievements and lessons learned during the mission’s presence will continue to guide our efforts in maintaining peace and prosperity.”

The government expressed their commitment to collaborating and partnering with the United Nations to address the long-term sustainable development priorities of Somalia.

“We would like to express our gratitude for the support and cooperation provided by the United Nations Mission throughout its mandate in Somalia” The dedication and hard work of the mission have played a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and development in our country,” read part of the statement.

However, the government’s request comes less than a month after the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia, Catriona Laing, announced that she would end her one-year tenure on May 21, 2024.

Laing was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2023. The reasons for her early departure remain unclear.