UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution Wednesday that would initiate a two-year transition of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the U.N. Country Team (UNCT), starting November 1. The move aims to shift responsibilities from the specialized mission to local and broader U.N. frameworks.
The draft follows a request by Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in May, urging the termination of UNSOM’s mandate by October 2024. In subsequent communications, Somalia has demonstrated its intention to manage a smooth transition, engaging with stakeholders to prepare for this significant shift.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres responded to the Council’s inquiry with a letter on August 30, detailing discussions with Somalia about the transition process.
The proposal from Somalia, included in this letter, outlines a phased approach where UNSOM would initially focus on bolstering state-building efforts, particularly in legal and electoral reforms, before its full integration into the UNCT.
This transition includes a planned review midway through the two-year period to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed. The phase-out aims to empower Somali institutions while maintaining U.N. support through the UNCT, which already operates in various countries to coordinate development and humanitarian aid.
If approved, this resolution would represent a significant step in Somalia’s journey toward greater autonomy in governance, reflecting the evolving role of the U.N. in conflict zones from direct intervention to support roles that foster national capacity-building.
The vote, expected to reflect international consensus, could set a model for future transitions of peacekeeping missions worldwide, emphasizing local governance and self-reliance.
