MOGADISHU — Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, has held discussions with United Nations officials on the ongoing transition of the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), officials confirmed.
The minister met with Mr. Raisedon Zenenga, Officer-in-Charge of UNTMIS, and Ms. Lebogang Diteko, Senior Political Affairs Officer, in the capital. The dialogue centered on the transition process and efforts to enhance coordination, maintaining that international assistance should be synchronized with Somalia’s national objectives.
“The discussions focused on the UNTMIS transition and to strengthen coordination to ensure international support remains aligned with Somalia’s national priorities,” according to a statement from the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) [citation:1].
Transition Timeline and Objectives
UNTMIS succeeded the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on 1 November 2024, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2753. The transition is a two-year process scheduled to conclude by 31 October 2026, when UNTMIS will end its operations [citation:3].
The transition reflects progress in Somalia and aligns with the Federal Government’s request for national ownership and self-reliance, with the ultimate goal of transferring all remaining tasks to national institutions and UN agencies [citation:3].
The meeting between State Minister Omar and UN officials underscored Somalia’s leadership in shaping the next phase of engagement, reflecting a strong partnership with the United Nations and a clear shift toward Somali-led solutions that consolidate peace, strengthen institutions, and advance sustainable development [citation:1].
Previous Consultations on Security and Justice Transition
Tuesday’s meeting follows similar high-level engagements on the UNTMIS transition roadmap. In July 2025, 47 delegates from the United Nations and the Federal Government of Somalia gathered in Mogadishu to chart key priorities for the country’s ongoing security transition [citation:4].
That high-level workshop, part of UNTMIS’s roadmap development process, concentrated on strengthening the rule of law, policing, corrections, and maritime security systems. The session was jointly led by Ambassador Yusuf Garaad and Nasrin Khan, Head of UNTMIS’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Group [citation:4].
Khan emphasized that the goal remains building a justice and security framework in Somalia that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its citizens [citation:4].
Phased Transition Structure
The transition is structured in two main phases. Phase One (November 2024 – October 2025) prioritized support and capacity building in key areas while transferring specific tasks to the Federal Government and other stakeholders. Key areas of focus included state-building, human rights, rule of law, security sector support, coordination of international aid, and support for countering violent extremism [citation:3].
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, leading to the mission’s conclusion [citation:3].
Commitment to Somali-Led Solutions
The meeting highlighted Somalia’s role in guiding the next stage of engagement, demonstrating a robust partnership with the United Nations and a distinct movement toward locally-driven approaches that reinforce stability, build institutional capacity, and foster long-term development.
The transition process is condition-based, with the Security Council regularly reviewing progress to ensure a stable handover of responsibilities [citation:3].
