Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the United Nations in Mogadishu, on Saturday to discuss the newly launched United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). Officially replacing the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on November 1, UNTMIS is poised to play a crucial role in the country’s peace and security efforts.
The meeting took place just a day after UNTMIS was initiated and centered on Somalia’s responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. It also addressed national security initiatives and ongoing dialogues within the National Consultative Council (NCC).
Both leaders agreed to develop a joint roadmap to align UNTMIS objectives with Somalia’s broader strategic goals for regional stability and development. This collaborative effort aims to bolster Somalia’s leadership in promoting peace and security while ensuring that the new UN mission supports the nation’s long-term objectives.
In its inaugural year, UNTMIS will prioritize the facilitation of free and fair elections and the protection of human rights. As the mission evolves, specific responsibilities, such as electoral oversight and security management, will gradually shift to Somali authorities, with the goal of completing this transition by the end of the year.
During the meeting, Minister Fiqi also briefed Swan on the progress of the Ankara Talks with Ethiopia, aimed at resolving diplomatic tensions between the two nations. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to a one-person, one-vote electoral system, contingent on consensus within the NCC.
The NCC, which includes President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the Mayor of Mogadishu, and three regional leaders, has recently reached an agreement on a timeline for upcoming elections. Local, regional, and municipal elections are scheduled for June 2025, followed by parliamentary and presidential elections in September 2025. The agreement also includes plans for establishing a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the electoral process.
However, the proposed electoral timeline has encountered opposition from some regional leaders, including Puntland’s Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland’s Ahmed Madobe, who have voiced their concerns publicly. Despite these challenges, the Somali government remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing reforms aimed at achieving universal suffrage, as demonstrated by the passage of a universal suffrage bill in March 2024.
The discussions between Fiqi and Swan represent a significant step in aligning international and national efforts to ensure a successful electoral process and enhance Somalia’s role in regional security and governance.
