Somalia wants to terminate the UN political mission assisting peace efforts in the country

SOMALIA WANTS TO TERMINATE THE UN POLITICAL MISSION ASSISTING PEACE EFFORTS IN THE COUNTRY

The Somali government has formally requested to the United Nations to end its political mission in the country. This mission, known as UNSOM, has been instrumental in assisting Somalia in its efforts to achieve peace and stability amidst attacks from the extremist group al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida.

In a letter addressed to the Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi explained that this decision was made after careful consideration of strategic priorities. The current mandate of UNSOM is set to expire on October 31^st,  2024 and Fiqi urged for the prompt conclusion of the necessary procedures to terminate the mission by the end of its mandate.

The UN mission has worked closely with African Union peacekeepers, who are gradually reducing their presence and are expected to transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of this year. Last November, the Security Council temporarily suspended the African Union pullout at Somalia's request due to ongoing clashes with al-Shabab. Since the overthrow of Dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has experienced a civil war and has been striving to rebuild stability in the face of extremist attacks and piracy. Al-Shabab intensified its assaults on Somali military bases last year following the group's loss of control over some rural areas due to a military offensive prompted by the Somali president's call for a "Total War" against the extremist organization in 2022.

The U.N. Security Council established UNSOM in June 2013 as a special political mission to support peace and reconciliation efforts, provide strategic policy advice to the Somali government and the African Union peacekeeping mission and promote human rights, prevent abuses, empower women, protect children, and prevent further conflicts.