Somalia Requests End of UN Assistance Mission

Somalia Requests United Nations to End Assistance Mission

In a recent development, Somalia has officially requested the United Nations to terminate its assistance mission in the country by October 2024. The mission has been providing advisory support to a 14,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force that is actively engaged in combating the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab. Somalia has expressed its desire to expel the peacekeeping mission, which has been aiding the Somali military since 2022. The UN has affirmed its commitment to continuing support for Somalia, irrespective of the future of UNSOM, and has pledged to adhere to the directives of the Security Council. The Somali Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a comment on this matter.

Key Takeaways

• Somalia requests UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to cease operations by October 2024.

Analysis

Somalia's formal request for the UN to conclude its assistance mission by October 2024 may have far-reaching ramifications for the country and the broader region. In the immediate term, this decision could potentially undermine the ongoing efforts of the 14,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force in countering the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab. In the long run, the absence of this mission may give rise to a power vacuum, potentially leading to heightened instability and unrest in Somalia. Furthermore, this development could have implications for regional security, as al-Shabaab's activities have extended beyond Somalia's borders, engaging in terrorist activities in neighboring countries. Consequently, stakeholders with vested interests in the region, such as the United States, the European Union, and the African Union, may find it necessary to reassess their engagement and support for Somalia. The resolution of the Security Council regarding the future of UNSOM will play a pivotal role in shaping Somalia's political and security landscape.

Did You Know?

• UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM): Established in 2013, UNSOM is a political mission initiated by the United Nations to assist the Government of Somalia in its endeavors related to peacebuilding and state-building. It has been providing political counsel, capacity building, and backing to the Somali authorities in their efforts to fortify governance, the rule of law, and human rights.
• African Union Peacekeeping Force (AMISOM): Since 2007, AMISOM has been a peacekeeping mission authorized by the African Union and sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council. With a current force of around 14,000 troops, its mandate includes diminishing the threat posed by al-Shabaab and supporting the Government of Somalia in maintaining peace and security.
• Al-Shabaab: Originating in the early 2000s, Al-Shabaab is an al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist group that has been active in Somalia and commands substantial control over rural areas. It has orchestrated numerous attacks targeting both civilian and military entities within the country, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, and several other nations.