MOGADISHU (SD) -The Somali government has initiated discussions with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to phase out its operations.

Technical committees appointed by the Federal Government of Somalia and a corresponding technical committee from UNSOM met yesterday. This dialogue, which is currently in its early stages, is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both committees tasked with developing a timetable for UNSOM’s transition of its activities in Somalia.

The Somali government will assume some of UNSOM’s responsibilities, while others will continue under a successor UN office, similar to those the UN maintains in many other countries.

The Somali technical committee includes representatives from the Offices of the President and Prime Minister, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and National Security. On the UNSOM side, the discussions were led by George Conway, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia.

This development comes as Somalia is set to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2025.