Somali government has officially requested the United Nations to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), citing consideration of the government’s strategic priorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated in a statement released on Thursday that the government requests the swift conclusion of the necessary procedures for the termination of the Mission by the end of the mandate in October 2024, and the government will no longer seek mandate renewal of resolution 2705 (2023).
“As a result of the successful collaboration between the Government of Somalia and the United Nations Mission, we believe that it is now appropriate to transition 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 towards sustaining peace and prosperity,” the statement reads.
The government affirmed its commitment to collaboration and partnership with the United Nations for the long-term sustainable development priorities of Somalia and beyond.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the support and cooperation extended 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,” it added.
However, the government’s request comes less than a month after the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia, Catriona Laing, announced she would end her year-long tenure on May 21, 2024. Laing was appointed in 2023 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Laing’s tenure as a UN Special Representative to Somalia was notably shorter than those of her predecessors, some of whom served up to three years. The reasons for her early departure remain unclear.
