World · 4 d ago
UN closes its political mission in Somalia after three decades
The UN mission in Somalia ceased operations on Saturday after a two-year transition the Somali government had asked for. Somalia's deputy prime minister called the closure a "day of victory".
What we know
- Mission ceased operations on Saturday
- Government asked for its withdrawal in 2024
Not yet
- Who takes over its mediation role
- Whether opposition groups will attend talks
No replacement for the mission's mediation role has been agreed, and major opposition groups have yet to confirm they will attend talks the president has offered.
Aid cuts
205 health and nutrition facilities closed
In August, the UN children's agency said 205 health and nutrition facilities in Somalia had closed because of aid cuts.
African Union troops fighting al-Shabab still depend on a UN office for food, fuel, medical care and transport. That support could end by December 2027 under a US-backed plan, according to reports.
