IMPACT
Enhancing Safety and Security through Explosive Threat Mitigation Support 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).
Key achievements 2023–2025
- Explosive hazard threat-mitigation package for AU troops: UNMAS trained 20,100 AU troops and facilitated the safe movement of 1,000 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 85,500 people, 70% of them children, through innovative risk education methods, including talking devices in remote areas.
- Explosive Ordnance Survey and Disposal: UNMAS cleared 325 contaminated locations, improving civilian access and security. UNMAS also carried out assessments in 1,100 villages and 480 roads along main supply routes, supporting AU operations.
- Support to the Somali security sector:
- Somali National Army: UNMAS trained and equipped 58 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and developed sustainability through ‘Train-the-Trainer’ courses.
- Somali Police Force: UNMAS trained and equipped 21 EOD teams through funding from Japan, strengthening national response capacities.
ABOUT
UNMAS Somalia is an integral component of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). UNMAS works under UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024) to mitigate the threat posed by explosive hazards and to enable the transition of security responsibilities from the African Union to the national security forces.
UNMAS Somalia provides policy and technical advice to the FGS and the Federal Member States on explosive hazard threat reduction, weapons and ammunition, and obligations under Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention according to the UNTMIS mandate. UNMAS Somalia also delivers operational explosive
ordnance threat mitigation support to AUSSOM and the SSF under the UNSOS mandate and enhance the freedom of movement and resilience of AUSSOM and the SSF, the safety and security of UN personnel and assets, the civilian population, and of critical infrastructures such as airports and major routes.
ACTIVITIES
➜ Explosive threat-mitigation support to African Union (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
Cross-Cutting Priorities
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 Somaliled 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
The UNMAS Somalia programme is funded by UNSOS assessed contributions, as well as bilateral funding from the Government of Japan. Additional resources are essential to sustain and build upon the progress made in strengthening national capacities for explosive threat mitigation.
CONTACTS
Mr. Fran O’Grady, Chief Mine Action, UNMAS, Mogadishu, Somalia, francis.ogrady@un.org
Mr. Takuto Kubo, Chief of Programmes, UNMAS, New York, United States, kubo@un.org
Mr. Takuto Kubo, Chief of Programmes, UNMAS, New York, United States, kubo@un.org
Read the latest factsheet to learn more.
Data as of September 2025