About UNPOS
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The Secretary-General established the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) on 15 April 1995, to advance the cause of peace and reconciliation through contacts with Somali leaders, civic organizations and the States and organizations concerned.

UNPOS is a political mission, supported and overseen by the United Nations Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The Head of the office is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) who closely monitors the situation in and relating to Somalia. The SRSG provides the Secretary-General with periodic briefings and written reports for the Security Council. UNPOS also provides political guidance, as needed, to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN agencies and organizations of the UN Country Team for Somalia.

UNPOS has supported initiatives by countries in the region to promote peace and national reconciliation in Somalia, including efforts by the Government of Djibouti that led to the formation of the Transitional National Government (TNG) of Somalia in 2000. From 2002 to 2004, UNPOS supported the Somali National Reconciliation Conference under the auspices of IGAD which resulted in the formation of the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which re-located to Somalia in mid-2005. In light of progress in the reconciliation process, UNPOS has prepared for an expansion of its staff and activities, security and political developments permitting. In endorsing those plans, the Security Council authorized UNPOS: to promote reconciliation through dialogue between Somali parties; to assist efforts to address the “Somaliland” issue; to coordinate support for the peace process by Somalia’s neighbors and other international partners; and to play a leading political role in peace-building activities.

Given the poor security situation inside Somalia, UNPOS has been working from Nairobi, Kenya.