Top UN security officials sat down with Guard Unit Commanders to confront one burning issue, the deteriorating safety of peacekeeping personnel in one of the world’s most dangerous assignments.
The meeting convened in the heart of Mogadishu brought together high-ranking members of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and military commanders overseeing protective units on the ground.
The meeting chaired by the United Nations Principal Security Adviser (PSA), Mr Joseph Katuramu
With escalating Al-Shabaab threats, renewed clan hostilities and a fragile political environment officials say the need to re-evaluate safety protocols has never been more urgent.
“This isn’t just about checkpoints and flak jackets,” “It’s about survival, morale, and the future of the mission.”
Among those present were representatives from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), AMISOM’s successor mission ATMIS, and senior Somali military officials.
The private discussions reportedly focused on the spike in targeted attacks on peacekeepers, increased use of IEDs and threats against humanitarian aid convoys.
Recent months have seen a resurgence in militant activity with UN compounds and military outposts coming under fire some burn in daylight.
The meeting comes just two weeks after a deadly ambush on a joint UN-Somali convoy outside Baidoa that left five peacekeepers dead sparking internal reviews and calls for action.
With elections looming in Somalia and international donors growing restless, insiders say the UN is under pressure to maintain mission credibility while safeguarding personnel.
While the UN has remained tight-lipped on full details, sources say the agenda covered reinforcement of armored patrols and base security, improved intelligence sharing with local forces, deployment of new surveillance tech including drone reconnaissance and mental health and trauma support for frontline peacekeepers
A communication is expected in the coming days outlining updated security protocols and possible rotation adjustments to reduce burnout among personnel stationed in high-risk zones.
UN missions are never risk-free, but Somalia’s ongoing instability worsened by political wrangles between the central government and federal states has made the peacekeeping mandate increasingly dangerous and controversial.
The stakes are high not just for the soldiers and civilians on the ground but for Somalia’s future as a functioning state and for the UN’s reputation as a credible global actor.
“When bullets fly, diplomacy fades,” said Dr. Leila Osman, a Horn of Africa conflict analyst. “These security reviews could determine whether the UN stays or goes.”
