Foreign Affairs Minister Meets UNTMIS Delegation

MOGADISHU – The State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, has received a delegation from the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), led by Officer‑in‑Charge Raisedon Zenenga. The talks centred on the UNTMIS transition process and the evolving political and security landscape in Somalia.

The State Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to a Somali‑led transition that strengthens national institutions and supports peace and state‑building efforts. Both sides also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in advancing Somalia’s national priorities.

The meeting follows similar high‑level discussions in April 2026, when Omar and Zenenga agreed on the need to keep international assistance aligned with Somalia’s domestic objectives. UNTMIS succeeded the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on 1 November 2024, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2753.

Sunset Clause and National Ownership

The transition is a two‑year process scheduled to conclude by 31 October 2026, after which UNTMIS will end its operations. The “sunset clause” sets a definitive two‑year timeline for transferring technical and political advisory functions to Somali national institutions and the UN Country Team. The move reflects the international community’s confidence in Somalia’s growing administrative capacity, despite persistent security threats.

The new UNTMIS office was inaugurated in Mogadishu in November 2024, marking the end of UNSOM and highlighting Somalia’s progress toward stability. UNTMIS is mandated to work closely with the Somali government on security, development and humanitarian assistance during the two‑year transitional period.

Phased Handover and Roadmap

The transition is structured in two main phases. Phase One (November 2024 – October 2025) prioritised support and capacity building in state‑building, human rights, rule of law, security sector support, coordination of international aid, and counter‑violent extremism. Phase Two (November 2025 – October 2026) involves the progressive transfer of all remaining functions to the Federal Government, the UN Country Team and other partners.

A high‑level meeting on the UNTMIS transition roadmap was concluded earlier, with 60 officials and UN representatives focusing on the transfer of responsibilities. The roadmap is closely aligned with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan and was presented to the UN Security Council in March 2025.

Security and Justice Sector Focus

In July 2025, 47 delegates from the UN and the Federal Government gathered in Mogadishu to advance security transition plans, concentrating on strengthening the rule of law, policing, corrections, and maritime security systems. The workshop, part of UNTMIS’s roadmap development process, was jointly led by Ambassador Yusuf Garaad and Nasrin Khan, Head of UNTMIS’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Group. Khan stressed that the goal remains building a justice and security framework that is resilient, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Somali citizens.

Political Stabilisation and Electoral Consensus

UNTMIS has also been actively engaged in political dialogue. In May 2026, the mission called on federal and opposition leaders to continue political dialogue and establish consensus on an inclusive electoral model after three days of talks failed to resolve key disputes. While welcoming the resumption of discussions, UNTMIS expressed disappointment that the meetings ended without a breakthrough and urged all parties to build agreement around a “practical and unifying” electoral framework.

Way Forward

The meeting between Minister Omar and Officer‑in‑Charge Zenenga underscores Somalia’s role in shaping the next phase of engagement with the UN. The transition process is condition‑based, with the Security Council regularly reviewing progress to ensure a stable handover of responsibilities. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a smooth, Somali‑led transition aligned with national priorities, particularly in finalising the constitution, advancing federal governance structures and consolidating peace.