The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously voted that the UN Transitional Assistance Mission (UNTMIS) shall cease to operate in Somalia by October 31st, 2026.

The focus will now shift to the transition plan; the federal government of Somalia has 22 months to put its house in order.

Diplomats in the UN headquarters have lauded the vote, terming it as timely and demonstrates the international community’s confidence in helping Somalia find a lasting solution to the current challenges.

The UNTMIS has played a major role in building institutional capacity in Somalia, monitoring human rights, and preparing for the historic elections. demonstrating
UNTIMS in the next 22 months will progressively transfer its functions to Somalia’s national and local institutions and authorities. Somali forces are also progressively taking over the ownership of security and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The major challenge in the ongoing transition is the security and political situation in the Horn of Africa. The UN has also promised to continue partnering with Somalia in its projects and missions.