UN Security Council Extends AU Mission in Somalia to 2026, Sets Exit Date for UNTMIS

GOOBJOOG NEWS|NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the authorization of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) until 31 December 2026, while setting 31 October 2026 as the date for the complete withdrawal of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).

The decision reflects a shift in the international community’s approach to Somalia, placing greater emphasis on regional security leadership while gradually scaling down the UN’s political and technical footprint in the country.

Under the resolution, AUSSOM will continue to support Somali security forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, protect key population centres and infrastructure, and assist in stabilisation efforts in areas recovered from the militant group. The mission will also support the Somali government’s long-term objective of assuming full responsibility for national security.

At the same time, the Council decided that UNTMIS, which currently provides political, governance, human rights, and electoral support, will cease all operations by the end of October 2026. The resolution calls for a carefully managed transition to ensure that critical functions are either handed over to Somali institutions or absorbed by other UN agencies present in the country.

Briefing the Council ahead of the vote, members noted improvements in Somalia’s state-building process, including progress on federal-state relations, security sector reform, and preparations for elections, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.

AUSSOM is the successor mission to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which itself replaced AMISOM after more than 15 years of deployment. The AU-led mission has been central to Somalia’s security architecture, working alongside the Somali National Army to push back Al-Shabaab and secure major towns and supply routes.

UNTMIS, formerly known as UNSOM, was reconfigured as a transitional mission to support Somalia during a critical phase of political and security reforms. Its planned drawdown signals the UN’s assessment that Somalia is moving, albeit unevenly, toward greater self-reliance in governance and state functions.

Council members stressed that the transition must be conditions-based and not undermine hard-won gains, particularly at a time when Somali forces are engaged in ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and when the country is preparing for key political milestones.

The resolution also urges sustained international funding for AUSSOM, warning that delays or shortfalls could negatively affect security operations and place additional strain on Somali forces.

Somali authorities have welcomed the extension of the AU mission, viewing it as essential to maintaining security pressure on militant groups, while expressing confidence that national institutions will be ready to assume greater responsibility as UNTMIS winds down.

The coming two years are expected to be decisive, as Somalia balances continued international support with its ambition to fully own its security and governance agenda.