Somalia has officially written to the UN asking it to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in the country.
In a letter dated May 5, the country’s Foreign Affairs minister Ahmed Fiqi said the move follows thorough consideration of its strategic priorities.
“Somali Government will no longer request mandate renewal of resolution 2705 (2023),” the letter reads in part.
It has been addressed to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president Pedro Afonso and copied to UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres.
Fiqi stated that following the successful collaboration between Somalia and the UN mission, it was now appropriate for the country to transition to the next phase of its partnership.
“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,” he said.
He acknowledged that the dedication and hard work of the mission has played a crucial role in promoting peace, stability and development in Somalia.
Fiqi has also expressed its commitment to collaboration and partnership with the UN for the long-term sustainable development priorities of Somalia and beyond.
The UNSOM is set to end in October this year.
Resolution 2705 which was adopted in October 2023 focuses on extending the mandate of the UNSOM and emphasising the support for Somalia's stability and development.
It calls for UNSOM to maintain a strong presence across Somalia, working with the Somali government and federal states and cooperation with Somalia and the African Union.
It also highlights supporting Somalia's national priorities for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity.
Similarly, it emphasises the importance of the UN and international community effectively supporting Somalia's government in building its capacity for long-term peace and development.
The decision further stresses the importance of inclusive dialogue and local reconciliation for stability underlining that full participation of women is crucial for progress on national priorities, reconciliation and security.
