According to a statement issued by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the mission’s closure follows Security Council resolutions 2753 (2024) and 2809 (2025), as well as a request by the Federal Government of Somalia.
The transition was guided by a roadmap jointly agreed upon by the Somali government and the United Nations. Under the arrangement, UNTMIS’s mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes.
The move is intended to strengthen national ownership of Somalia’s peacebuilding, governance and state-building agenda, with Somali institutions assuming greater responsibility for the country’s development and reconciliation efforts.
Guterres commended the progress made over the past decades in advancing peace and security in Somalia, praising the determination and resilience of its people despite persistent challenges.
He said the United Nations would continue supporting Somalia through its resident agencies, funds and programmes, working with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners to promote peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.
However, the UN chief warned that significant political, security, humanitarian and development challenges remain. He called for sustained international support to consolidate the gains made, promote inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen institutions and protect human rights.
Guterres also underscored the need for continued assistance to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and support a gradual and sustainable transition in the country’s security arrangements.
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to successive UN special representatives and national and international personnel who served in UNTMIS and its predecessor missions, acknowledging their contribution to peace and state-building efforts under difficult conditions.
He also paid tribute to UN personnel who lost their lives while serving in Somalia.
Despite the mission’s closure, Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the Somali people and to supporting Somali-led efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.
