Budget Proposal Overview
Today, members of the Fifth Committee, responsible for administrative and budgetary matters, convened to evaluate the Secretary-General’s proposal for a $102.8 million budget for the year 2025. This financial plan is designed to facilitate the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Somalia, which is currently navigating a two-year transition phase setting the stage for the closure of its mandate in October 2026.
Transitioning Operations for Peacekeeping
In accordance with Security Council Resolution 2753 (2024), the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) transitioned to the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) as of November 1, 2024. Kelvin Ong, the Director of the Field Operations Finance Division, presented the revised budget estimates for UNTMI, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Mr. Ong reported that the proposed budget reflects an increase of 1.7% compared to the $101.1 million allocated to UNSOM in 2024.
Resource Management and Efficiency
This budgetary increase encompasses the planned reduction of 24 civilian positions, the nationalization of six roles, and the adjustment of various personnel provisions as part of the transition strategy outlined by Resolution 2753 (2024). A notable addition is the allocation of $4.6 million for logistical support provided by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). Meanwhile, Sharon Brennen-Haylock, the Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, emphasized the importance of meticulous planning regarding the disposal of assets and commissioning strategies for UNTMI. She urged the need to harness lessons learned from past missions to ensure effective resource management during this critical transformation of UN operations in Somalia.