Somalia seeks to downgrade UN political mission

Significance In a May 9 follow-up memo, the government clarified that it seeks a transition to a UN Country Team (UNCT) presence, which coordinates the substantive support of UN agencies but lacks the strategic political functions of a full UN political mission. Impacts Former UNSOM chief James Swan will take over from the incumbent, Catriona Laing, who is departing on May 21 after only a year in post. Somalia risks isolating itself from traditional partners as major missions, including an African Union peacekeeping mission, are ending. The government may struggle to replace the substantial policy and technical support capacities that UNSOM has provided.