(As delivered)
Your Excellency, Deput Prime Minister Salah Jama,
Excellency Former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble,
Honorable Ministers and senior officials of the Federal Government,
Other distinguished Somali political leaders,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
United Nations colleagues,
Distinguished guests,
Good afternoon.
Thank you for joining us today.
In less than one week, on 31 October, the mandate of UNTMIS will come to an end, concluding more than 13 years of engagement by UN special political missions in Somalia, which began with the establishment of UNSOM in 2013. The closure of the mission follows a two-year transition, undertaken at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.
Over the past two years, we have worked closely with our government counterparts through a Joint Technical Committee, guided by a jointly developed roadmap to ensure the responsible and orderly transfer of UNTMIS mandated functions to Somali institutions, the United Nations Country Team, and UNSOS. The hand-over process sought to preserve the state-building and peacebuilding achievements of the past 13 years, support the continued development of institutional capacities following the Mission's departure, and ensure that national ownership and the expertise developed through our partnerships are durable.
At the outset, I extend United Nations' sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for agreeing to a two-year transition period. I also thank the United Kingdom as pen holder in the Security Council for guiding the resolution establishing the two-year mandate through the Council. This timeframe allowed for an orderly transition.
I offer special thanks to Ambassador Yusuf Garad, with whom George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and I co-chaired the FGS–UN Joint Technical Committee overseeing the transition process. His leadership and exceptional diplomatic skills were instrumental to the Committee’s success. I am grateful to the Somali and UN members of the Joint Technical Committee, as well as to all relevant Somali institutions, UN entities, and substantive sections of UNTMIS that played a vital role in developing and implementing the transition roadmap.
Excellencies, distinguished guests,
When UNSOM began operations in 2013, Somalia was in the early stages of rebuilding its national institutions and establishing a federal system after decades of conflict and state failure. UNSOM, subsequently UNTMIS, accompanied successive Somali governments at both the federal and state levels, and served as vital scaffolding for Somalia's state-building and peacebuilding processes. Across successive political transitions, the Mission worked closely with Somali leaders, political stakeholders, civil society, relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes, and international partners to facilitate dialogue and build consensus around key national priorities.
The work was guided by the understanding that political settlements must be Somali-owned. Together, we supported the establishment and consolidation of federal member states, the development of their governance institutions, stronger relations between the federal and state levels, and successive electoral processes. This included technical assistance to the electoral institutions, including the current NIEBC and its predecessor, support for the development of legal frameworks and political engagement to encourage consensus on electoral arrangements and greater participation by women and young people.
Beyond the political sphere, the mission worked alongside Somali authorities, relevant members of the UN Country Team, and international partners to strengthen the rule of law and promote accountable security governance. This included support for justice and corrections institutions, police development, security sector reform, stabilisation, disengagement, and reintegration and mine action activities. These efforts contributed to stronger institutional frameworks and professional capacities enabling Somali institutions to progressively assume greater responsibilities in these areas.
The promotion and protection of human rights have been central to the mission's work. The Mission supported the development of national human rights frameworks and capacities, monitored and reported on violations, and advocated for the protection of civilians, children, and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It also worked to advance women's rights and participation in political and public life, while supporting the integration of human rights principles into national institutions and policies. The establishment of the Human Rights Commission stands as an important testament to these efforts.
Over the years, our work extended beyond formal institutions, through reconciliation initiatives, community dialogue, and partnerships with women, young people, and civil society, UNSOM and later UNTMIS promoted inclusive peacebuilding and strengthened trust between institutions and the communities they serve. These efforts reflected our belief that lasting peace depends not only on formal institutions, but also on dialogue, inclusion, and the meaningful participation of Somali citizens in shaping their country's future.
The Mission also facilitated, by bringing together Somali institutions, international partners, and the broader United Nations system, to strengthen coordination, mobilise resources, and uphold a shared commitment. This integrated approach linked our political engagement with efforts to support security, development, humanitarian assistance, human rights, and the rule of law, thus establishing a strong foundation for continued cooperation beyond the mandate of UNTMIS.
I highlight these contributions to show that Somalia's progress is the result of a collective endeavor. The closure of UNTMIS does not signal the end of UN support, nor does it diminish Somalia's partners' commitment. Instead, it opens a new chapter in the UN's partnership with Somalia. The UN Country Team, led by RC/HC George Conway, will continue to support Somalia in advancing its national priorities and safeguarding the progress made. I am confident that a conducive political and security environment will sustain the federal architecture, state institutions, and the culture of managing political transitions through dialogue that we have built together. In this regard, we welcome from the UN side the public invitation extended to political stakeholders last night by His Excellency the President to dialogue.
As UNTMIS concludes its mandate, we do so with gratitude for the trust and partnership extended to us, pride in the dedication and achievements of UN personnel in Somalia, and deep respect for the resilience and determination of the Somali people. Above all, we leave with the conviction that the partnership between Somalia and the UN will endure, together with our shared hope for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Somalia. I once again express our sincere appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Member States, and the people of Somalia for their close collaboration, partnership, and cooperation over the years. The journey has not always been easy, but our shared commitment to Somalia's peace, stability, and prosperity has remained steadfast.
Allow me to pay special tribute to our national staff. They have provided the continuity, institutional memory, and deep understanding of Somalia that have been indispensable to us, international partners, and to the Missions we were. I also wish to recognize our international colleagues who have served alongside them, often far from their families and under exceptionally difficult conditions. To all of you, I extend my deepest gratitude for your professionalism, resilience, and dedication. Most importantly, I wish to remember with profound respect those UN colleagues who lost their lives in the service of peace in Somalia. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their contributions remain an enduring part of the UN's legacy in this country. I also pay tribute to the personnel of AMISOM, ATMIS, and AUSSOM, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and security in Somalia.
On a personal note, I leave Somalia deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this remarkable country, for the friendships formed along the way, and for the opportunity to work with so many dedicated Somali colleagues, UN colleagues, and international partners in support of Somalia and its people.
I wish all colleagues who are remaining here every success as they carry this important work forward.
Thank you.