On 5 May 2024, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) dispatched an official letter to the United Nations Secretary-General asking for the closure of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which has been in operation for 11 years. This governance brief analyses the FGS’s demand to liquidate the special political mission, UNSOM. In so doing, it lays out brief context to the introduction of UNSOM in Somalia and proceeds to sketch out its role in Somalia’s political settlement landscape. Further, the governance brief discusses the FGS’ explanation of its demand; and provides a snapshot of the reactions of opposition politicians and the wider implications of closing the UNSOM office. The brief concludes with recommendations for the concerned stakeholders, highlighting how important it is that the FGS speak openly to the public about why it wants the mission to end. The FGS should also publicly address concerns raised by politicians over this request and its underlying motives.