The United Nations has announced the impending closure of its Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, while renewing calls for cooperation to resolve the fate of hundreds of people who went missing following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait more than three decades ago.
The developments were highlighted in the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs’ latest update released on Monday, October 26, 2026.
UN Mission Set to End Operations in Somalia
A formal ceremony was held in Mogadishu to mark the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), led by the mission’s Officer-in-Charge, Raisedon Zenenga, alongside Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Jama.
According to the UN, the mission will complete its two-year transition and cease operations on October 31, in line with Security Council resolutions and a request from the Somali government.
Its mandated responsibilities have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the progress made towards peace and security in Somalia, acknowledging the resilience of its people despite persistent challenges.
He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Somalia through its resident agencies and partnerships with Somali authorities, the African Union and other international partners.
The continued support is expected to focus on peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.
UN Calls for Answers Over Missing Kuwaitis
In a separate development, the UN renewed calls for stronger cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait to establish the fate of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and facilitate the recovery of missing Kuwaiti property, including national archives.
Briefing the UN Security Council on October 26, Mari Yamashita, the Secretary-General’s Senior Representative for the implementation of Resolution 2792 (2025), disclosed that 315 people remain missing more than 35 years after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Yamashita stressed the urgency of identifying witnesses and pursuing credible leads to help resolve the long-standing cases.
She also called for closer cooperation between Iraq, Kuwait and the International Committee of the Red Cross, describing the search for answers as a humanitarian responsibility owed to affected families.
The UN continues to emphasise the importance of resolving the cases and securing the return of missing property.
The two developments highlight the organisation’s continuing role in supporting political transitions, peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts across different regions.
