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United Nations mission in Somalia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) is a special political mission of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Its primary purpose is to assist the Federal Government of Somalia in achieving peace, stability and reconciliation.[4] It works closely with and supports the work of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and, since 2022, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.[5][6]
 | This article only references primary sources. (March 2024) |
United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia[a] | |
Hawlgalka Kaalmaynta Qaramada Midoobay ee Soomaaliya (UNSOM)[2] | |
| |
| Predecessor | United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)[1] |
|---|---|
| Formation | 3 June 2013 |
| Dissolved | 1 November 2024 |
| Type | Special political mission |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | Mogadishu, Somalia |
Head of Mission | James Swan[3] |
Parent organization | Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs |
| Staff | 362[4] |
| Website | unsom.unmissions.org |
UNSOM replaced the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), which was in existence from 15 April 1995 until the expiration of its Security Council mandate on 2 June 2013.[7][8]
On October 30, 2024, the United Nations Security Council votes 15–0 to dissolve the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and formed a new mission called the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia, which began and operated on November 1, 2024.[9][10]
On October 31, 2024, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) concluded its operations. after United Nations Security Council's resolution 2753 and established the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) as its successor.[11] The transition responds to a request from Somalia's Federal Government for a two-year handover period. By October 2026, the mission's functions are expected to fully transfer to support Somalia’s development goals.[12]
The Mission has its headquarters in Mogadishu and also has offices in Kismaayo (in the state of Jubaland), Hargeisa (in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland), Garowe (Puntland), Baidoa (South West) and Belet Weyne (Hirshabelle).[5][13]
UNSOM was created by means of United Nations Security Council resolution 2102, adopted unanimously on 3 June 2013. Under that resolution, it is charged with:[14]
Originally established for an initial period of twelve months,[14] the Mission's mandate has been renewed by successive Security Council resolutions and is currently valid until 31 October 2024.[5]
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The Mission comprises the following groups and sections:
The Mission is led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. The Head of Mission is assisted by two Deputy Special Representatives.[32][4]
| Head of Mission | Nationality | Appointed |
|---|---|---|
| James Swan[33] | United States | 14 May 2024 |
| Catriona Laing[34][32] | United Kingdom | 3 May 2023 |
| James Swan[35] | United States | 30 May 2019 |
| Nicholas Haysom[36] | South Africa | 12 September 2018 |
| Michael Keating[37] | United Kingdom | 23 November 2015 |
| Nicholas Kay[38][39] | United Kingdom | 29 April 2013 |
As of 30 November 2023[update], fourteen countries contribute a total of 647 personnel (military and civilian) to the mission:[40]
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