Somalia Prepares To Take Full Responsibility for Justice and Prison Services after UNTMIS Exit

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is preparing to assume greater responsibility for its justice institutions and prison services following the conclusion of support provided by the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hassan Maalim Mohamud has said.

The minister spoke at a ceremony marking the completion of UNTMIS activities supporting Somalia’s justice and corrections sectors, attended by federal and state officials, UN representatives, justice and corrections institutions and international partners.

MOhamud thanked the United Nations, UNTMIS and other partners for their support in strengthening Somalia’s justice institutions, improving prison services and building national capacity in support of the rule of law.

He described the end of UNTMIS activities as an important transition for Somalia, saying it would allow the federal government to assume greater responsibility for the continued development of national justice institutions.

The minister said the knowledge, experience and institutional capacity developed during the UN mission’s engagement would provide a foundation for further reforms.

He stressed that Somalia would build on the progress already made, with greater emphasis on ensuring national institutions take full ownership of justice and corrections services.

The conclusion of UNTMIS support marks another stage in Somalia’s broader transition towards greater national ownership of state institutions, as the country seeks to strengthen its capacity to provide justice and security services with less reliance on international missions.

Officials at the ceremony also stressed the importance of maintaining cooperation between Somali institutions and international partners as the country moves into the next phase of justice-sector development.