United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Somalia following the official closure of its dedicated political mission in the country, assuring Mogadishu that the end of the mission will not mark a withdrawal of international assistance.
In a statement published on his official X account, Guterres said the United Nations would continue working with Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, even after the conclusion of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
The Secretary-General emphasised that the closure was part of a transition in how the organisation engages with Somalia, rather than an end to its longstanding involvement in the country’s peacebuilding and development efforts.
He said the United Nations would maintain its partnership with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to advance peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.
Guterres also commended Somalia for the progress it has made in peacebuilding and security, recognising the determination and resilience of its people despite persistent political, security, humanitarian and development challenges.
What happens after the closure of UNTMIS?
The transition is intended to strengthen national ownership of Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building processes, placing greater responsibility on domestic institutions while maintaining international support.
The mission’s closure was formally marked at a ceremony in Mogadishu on October 26, 2026, attended by Somali government officials, diplomats and United Nations representatives.
The development followed a transition process that had been under way as the United Nations prepared to conclude the dedicated political mission and reorganise its engagement through other structures.
Guterres’ latest statement therefore addresses a key question surrounding the closure: whether Somalia would lose the support previously channelled through UNTMIS.
His assurance is that the United Nations will remain engaged, although its assistance will now be delivered through its agencies and programmes rather than the dedicated political mission.