MOGADISHU— Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made a significant reversal in his government’s recent decision regarding the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), opting to abandon the plan to terminate the mission and instead proposing new terms for the UN’s future engagement in the country.
Mohamud’s abrupt change of course comes on the heels of a recent letter signed by the Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, urging the United Nations Security Council to terminate the mandate of UNSOM. The development had prompted concern among international donors and humanitarian organizations operating in Somalia.
The UNSOM mission, established in 2013, has played a key role in supporting peacebuilding and governance efforts in the region.
Outlining his new proposal in a letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the need for a joint team from Somalia and the UN to discuss and create a new Terms of Reference (ToR) for an upcoming UN Somalia Office. This proposed collaboration suggests a renewed willingness to engage with the international body in addressing Somalia’s ongoing challenges.
The letter, dated 10th May, seen by the Horn Examiner contrasts with a previous correspondence signed by Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi, signaling a shift in Somalia’s stance towards UNSOM’s presence.
Experts suggest that the president’s revised stance may help rectify the situation exacerbated by his government’s prior decision to terminate the UNSOM mission, potentially signaling a significant turning point in Somalia’s relationship with the international body.
Neither the UN nor Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided further comment on the letter or the potential impact of these changes. However, observers note that any alterations to the UN mission could have far-reaching implications for the stability and development of Somalia.
However, the decision to end the UN mission was met with widespread concerns and raised alarms in Somalia and among the country’s international partners.
Critics argued that Somalia is not yet prepared to take over its security and handle its internal politics, especially in the context of the controversial constitutional amendments championed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud which many believe is designed to influence the 2026 elections in his favor.
For years, the UN’s presence in Somalia has played a crucial role in providing oversight, support, and stability in a country that is still navigating complex political and security challenges. The mission’s departure could leave a void in international support, potentially exacerbating existing tensions and jeopardizing the progress made in recent years.
Somalia is recovering from decades of conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises – but, the country is still facing numerous challenges, including ongoing security concerns due to militant groups such as Al-Shabaab, as well as efforts to establish functional governance structures and state institutions.
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