Somalia request termination of UN political mission

By Mohamed Dhaysane

BARDHERE, Somalia (AA) - Somalia wrote Wednesday to the UN to request the termination of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), according to the Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, said his government will no longer request a mandate renewal of the UN political mission beyond October, when the current UNSOM mandate is set to expire.

“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,” said Somalia.

Mogadishu also said as a result of the successful collaboration between Somalia and UNSOM, it believes it is now appropriate to transition to the next phase of our partnership.

“We kindly request the swift conclusion of the necessary procedures for the termination of the Mission by the end of the mandate in October 2024,” it said.

Abdi Mahdi Hassan, a political analyst in Mogadishu, told Anadolu that the government in Somalia is trying to show it has legitimate concerns for the future of the country.

“Although I don’t support the policies of the current government, I think this was a good thing to do to show the world that Somalia is no longer a failed state,” he said in a telephone interview.

The head of Raad Peace Research Institute based in Somalia, Mohamed Husein Gaas, told Anadolu that Somalia's decision to terminate UNSOM represents a significant foreign policy shift and signals an intent to redefine its international relations.

“While this move suggests the government's desire to assert more control over federal member states and consolidate its position, questions arise about the timing, given ongoing challenges,” he said.

Omar Mahmood, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Eastern Africa, said: “Somalia is generally asserting itself on the international stage more, and transitioning from a special to country mission is seen as a step in favor of this. However, Somalia has also asked for a UNSC (UN Security Council) authorized (AU implemented) peacekeeping mission from 2024 onwards, which is a sharp contrast. Pushing reform and transition for a more effective UN mission is one thing, but its complete removal another.”

UNSOM replaced the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), which was in existence from April 15, 1995, until the expiration of its Security Council mandate on June 2, 2013.