Mogadishu – The close and productive partnership between Somalia and the United Nations came under the spotlight at the recent launch of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
UNTMIS was established on 1 November, following the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2753 on 30 October. It succeeded the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
“We acknowledge the invaluable contributions of UNSOM to the development of Somali institutions. The dedication and sacrifices of both Somali and international staff have been instrumental in our progress,” said Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
The Minister was addressing senior officials and representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, local civil society, the diplomatic corps and the country’s international partners at a joint launch in Mogadishu with the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, who also headed UNSOM and now heads UNTMIS.
“Everyone here today knows that Somalia has made remarkable strides over the past three decades of its national journey – in the areas of security, governance, economic recovery, and many others. Throughout this period, the United Nations has been a constant partner,” Mr. Swan said in his remarks to the gathering.
Focussing on UNSOM, Mr. Swan noted that, throughout its 11-year tenure, the UN Mission worked to help Somalis as they made progress on issues such as constitutional reform, women’s representation, youth engagement, disability inclusion, respect for human rights, and more.
“From its inception in Spring 2013, UNSOM provided good offices, policy guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building to support an array of Somali priorities,” he said.
He cited some examples such as state formation in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland and South West State; the completion of the electoral processes of 2017 and 2022; and many reconciliation and conflict resolution efforts.
UNTMIS has similar mandated activities to UNSOM, and is transitioning all of its functions to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the UN Country Team in two one-year phases, projected to conclude by 31 October 2026.
Priority areas
In his remarks, the Acting UN Special Representative noted that, under its new mandate and throughout the planned two-year transition, UNTMIS would give priority to areas critical to Somalia’s needs.
“Among those identified are: state-building, including the constitutional review process and the conduct of ‘one person, one vote’ free and fair elections; promotion and protection of human rights and implementation of the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy; support for the justice and security sectors,” said Mr Swan.
A milestone of the first year of UNTMIS will be the roadmap that will soon be developed to inform the steps and details of its transition.
“The road ahead requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure a seamless transition. We must develop a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the specific steps and timelines for this process,” said Mr. Fiqi.
The UN Special Representative highlighted that, even following the planned exit of UNTMIS, the UN Country Team can be counted on to maintain its already active development and humanitarian support, while also assuming increased responsibility for many functions currently performed by UNTMIS.
“Meanwhile, throughout this transition period, we in UNTMIS will continue to work as Somalia’s partner, as the country builds on its successes to date and pursues greater peace, security, democracy, and prosperity for its people,” concluded Mr. Swan.
Made up of almost 24 UN agencies, funds, and programmes, the UN Country Team in Somalia works across a wide range of sectors to support the country's peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development efforts. Key areas of focus include providing emergency humanitarian aid, promoting human rights, fostering sustainable development, and strengthening governance and rule of law.
