Dhusamareb – United Nations support for Somalia’s development received a boost today, with the handover of a facility and equipment to one of the country’s Federal Member States, Galmudug.
“While usually the President is welcoming us, let me this time also welcome the President and his team, on behalf of the United Nations, to premises that were constructed and equipped by the United Nations, and which today we will hand over to the Government of Galmudug State,” the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said.
The top UN official for Somalia was speaking at a handover ceremony for premises in Galmudug’s capital, and which was attended by the Federal Member State’s President Ahmed Abdi Karie 'Qoor Qoor’ and senior members of his administration, as well as the Acting Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai.
The facility, located in the city’s Hero Drogo area, was originally intended as a compound and a platform for UN operations in Dhusamareb, and across Galmudug.
“But we have had to change plans due to the United Nations’ financial situation and the projected closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) in October 2026 at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia,” Mr. Swan said.
“So,” he continued, “while the United Nations will continue its engagement and programming in Galmudug based on available resources, this facility will now be transferred to the Government of the State of Galmudug for its use.”
Globally, the United Nations has been mired in a worsening cash crisis for many months, with the situation affecting its ability to carry out vital work. A growing shortfall in contributions from UN Member States has led to the Organisation cutting spending, freezing hiring, and scaling back some services.
Succeeding its predecessor operation, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), UNTMIS, which Mr. Swan also heads, began operations in November 2024, in line with its establishment by the UN Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2753.
In the resolution, the Security Council established that UNTMIS will undertake a phased transition of functions to Somali institutions, the UN Country Team, and other stakeholders, before closing at the end of October 2026.
Operational capacity
The Hero Drogo facility has full operational capacity. It includes office space and accommodation for approximately 50 people, with room for expansion. It also has all necessary physical infrastructure in place, and these include security features, generators, water purification plants, and a helicopter landing pad.
In addition, UNSOS will provide dedicated training for Galmudug State technicians on all systems until the end of 2025.
In his remarks, the UN Special Representative underlined the commitment of the world body to Galmudug.
“Let me assure you that the spirit of UN solidarity and support for the people of Galmudug are as much foundation stones for this facility as are the bricks used to construct it – and we hope that this spirit of solidarity and support continues with its new occupants,” Mr. Swan said.
“The United Nations’ support for Galmudug is not centred solely on a physical location,” he added. “Let me reaffirm that the United Nations will remain a partner to Galmudug through UNTMIS until its closure next year, and through UN agencies, funds, and programmes operating in Somalia. We will continue our engagement and support to the people and Government of Galmudug State as they pursue peace, stability, security and development.”
