Somalia

About

Since 2009, UNMAS Somalia has been at the forefront of explosive threat mitigation, working to ensure that Somali communities are safer, more secure and to enhance national mine action efforts by reducing the risks posed by explosive hazards, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). UNMAS Somalia is an integral component of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). UNMAS works under UN Security Council Resolution 2898 (2025) to mitigate the threat posed by explosive hazards and to enable the transition of security responsibilities from the African Union (AU) to the national security forces.

Impact

Key achievements January 2024–December 2025

• Explosive hazard threat-mitigation package for AU troops: UNMAS trained 8,800 AU troops and facilitated the safe movement of almost 400 convoys, securing vital supply routes.
• Enhanced Safety Measures: UNMAS deployed 42 EDD teams, securing key UN and government
  premises.
• Explosive Ordnance Risk Education: UNMAS reached over 31,000 people, 69% of them children,
  through innovative risk education methods, including talking devices in remote areas.
• Explosive Ordnance Survey and Disposal:
  • UNMAS cleared 160 contaminated locations, improving civilian access and security.
  • UNMAS also carried out assessments in 500 villages and 180 roads along main supply routes, supporting AU operations.
• Support to the Somali security sector:
  • Somali National Army: UNMAS trained and equipped 22 teams (totalling 61 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams since 2020) and developed sustainability through ‘Train-the-Trainer’ courses in which an additional six teams were trained by UNMAS trained instructors.
  • Somali Police Force: UNMAS trained and equipped six national EOD instructors (plus 21 EOD teams trained and equipped through funding from Japan since 2019), strengthening national response capacities.

Activities

• Explosive threat-mitigation support to AU troops: Training - Mentoring - Equipping - Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) - Advisory services
• Explosive threat-mitigation support to Somali security forces (SSF): Training - Mentoring -Equipping - Advisory services
• National mine action: Coordination - Advocacy - Technical Advice
• Weapons and ammunition management: Training - Technical Advice

• Capacity development: UNMAS enables Somalia’s security transition by strengthening national capacities within the security sector, focusing on developing the counter-IED capability of the SSF, shifting from building explosive ordnance disposal capabilities to sustaining and enhancing these capabilities through the provision of train-the-trainer courses and strategic advisory services. Additionally, UNMAS supports the development of Somali mine action authorities' capacities through training and advisory support, while playing a key role in strengthening coordination and advocacy within the mine action sector with national and international partners.
• Protection of civilians: There is an urgent need to strengthen the provision of life-saving humanitarian mine action activities in support of those most vulnerable, and to support a Somali-led mine action response to protect civilians. Mine action provides a tangible form of protection by contributing to ensure the safety of civilians, but also supports humanitarian efforts, facilitates the return of displaced populations, and enables socio-economic recovery. Advocacy for financing and advancing the capabilities of the humanitarian mine action sector remains a priority for UNMAS.
• Gender mainstreaming: UNMAS works to break down barriers that limit women’s engagement in traditionally male-dominated sectors. By promoting gender-sensitive approaches,UNMAS helps to enhance the effectiveness of its operations while promoting empowerment, safety, and equal opportunities for both men and women in affected communities. Gender mainstreaming also enhances community trust and engagement, as women often have unique access to vulnerable groups, contributing to more effective and inclusive mine action efforts.
  

Funding