MOGADISHU (SD) -The Federal Government of Somalia withdrew a recent request not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

A statement issued by the government yesterday and sent to the United Nations stated that they have rescinded the request not to renew UNSOM, but instead asked the UN to establish a joint committee to oversee the UN’s operations in Somalia.

The Somali government has expressed its readiness to appoint Somali members to prepare plans to restructure and transition the UN’s mission in Somalia.

This government decision came after a telephone conversation between President Hassan Sheikh and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where both officials agreed to establish a committee to oversee UNSOM’s work.