By Mahamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 1 December 2025 — The United Nations has officially handed over a facility and equipment to the Galmudug State of Somalia, marking the gradual transfer of UN operations to Somali authorities on Sunday.
The handover ceremony in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, was attended by Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, and senior UN officials including Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, Acting Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The facility, located in the Hero Drogo area, was originally intended to support UN operations in Dhusamareb and across Galmudug.
However, adjustments were made due to the UN’s financial situation and the planned closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) in October 2026, following a request from the Federal Government of Somalia.
Equipped with office space, accommodation for around 50 people, a helicopter landing pad, generators, water purification systems, and security infrastructure, the facility will now be managed by the Galmudug government.
UNSOS will provide technical training to Galmudug staff on all systems until the end of 2025.
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Speaking at the handover, James Swan reaffirmed the UN’s continued engagement in Galmudug through UNTMIS and other UN agencies, funds, and programs, supporting the state’s peace, stability, and development initiatives.
“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.” Swan said.
President Qoor Qoor welcomed the handover, saying: “We have taken over this facility, which was established in the capital of Galmudug. We are also pleased with the cooperation, and we hope it continues.”
He added that the facility will host humanitarian and development agencies to continue their work in the region.
The transfer of the facility to Galmudug represents a key step in the transition of responsibilities to Somali institutions and strengthens local capacity for governance and service delivery.