UN says Somalia mission’s closure will not end agency support

The UN said it would continue supporting Somalia after its transitional mission’s scheduled closure on 31 October, according to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, quoted by Qatar News Agency on 27 October.

He said responsibilities had been transferred under a joint roadmap to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes. Closing the political mission therefore differs from withdrawal of the entire UN system. Agencies will continue working with authorities, the African Union and other partners; the transition does not announce an end to peacebuilding or development needs.