The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 24 March 2016 extended the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) till 31 March 2017. A resolution in this regard was unanimously approved by all the 15 members of the Council in order to support an inclusive, free, fair and transparent electoral process in 2016 and universal elections by 2020.

About Somalia

• Somalia is a semiarid land in the Horn of Africa.
• The Somalis are one of the most homogeneous peoples in Africa, but unity is thwarted by clan-based rivalries.
• The independence of Somaliland, while widely acknowledged, is not officially recognized by the international community—as efforts continue to reunify Somalia.
• Somaliland’s peace, stability, and democracy have been recently threatened by drought and by regional warlords.

About the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia

• It was established in May 2013 by the UNSC to create and galvanize the political and strategic environment of Somalia in which stabilisation and peace-building can proceed.
• It is led by Nicholas Kay, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, and two Deputy Special Representatives.
• Its headquarters is in the Somali capital Mogadishu. In addition, it has a liaison office in Nairobi, Kenya.