Somalia Seeks Sustained International Aid as UN Mission Ends

Somalia's foreign ministry called for continued global financial support after the closure of a three-decade-old UN political office, as the country faces al-Shabaab insurgency and internal political tensions.

The World Desk

Gokhshtein Media

November 15, 2026

3 min read

MOGADISHU — Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar urged the international community to maintain financial support as the country builds state capacity, citing recovery from civil war that followed the government's collapse 30 years ago.

Omar said Somalia would not have achieved current stability without external assistance. The United Nations closed its political office in October at the Somali government's request after more than three decades supporting institutional rebuilding and dispute resolution.

The government signaled it would assume greater responsibility for its own governance. Yet substantial challenges remain. Al-Shabaab, linked to al-Qaeda, controls large parts of central and southern Somalia. African Union peacekeepers backing the government face potential cuts to U.S. funding, creating uncertainty for military operations.

Internally, opposition figures have questioned the legitimacy of the current president. The government argues a newly adopted constitution permits the president to remain in office until next year.

Omar said Somalia is more stable than it was a few years ago and called for sustained international financial backing to consolidate gains and advance development.

Internally, opposition figures have questioned the legitimacy of the current president. The government argues a newly adopted constitution permits the president to remain in office until next year.

Omar said Somalia is more stable than it was a few years ago and called for sustained international financial backing to consolidate gains and advance development.