UN in Somalia

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Background

The United Nations' traditional involvement in the humanitarian and other needs of Somalia was transformed in April 1992 by civil conflict and the  Security Council's establishment of UNOSOM I to monitor a ceasefire in Mogadishu. UNOSOM l was also mandated to provide protection and security for UN personnel, equipment and supplies at the seaports and airports in Mogadishu and to escort deliveries of humanitarian supplies to distribution centers in and around the capital.
In August 1992, UNOSOM I's mandate and strength were enlarged so as to protect humanitarian convoys and distribution centres throughout Somalia. In December 1992, after the situation in Somalia had further deteriorated, the Security Council authorized Member States to form a Unified Task Force (UNITAF) to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. UNITAF worked in coordination with UNOSOM I to secure major population centers and deliver supplies.
UNOSOM II was established in March 1993 to complete, through disarmament and reconciliation, the task begun by UNITAF for the restoration of peace, stability, law and order. However, the escalation of inter-clan fighting led to the withdrawal of UNOSOM II in March 1995.

United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)
The Secretary-General established the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) on 15 April 1995, to help him advance the cause of peace and reconciliation through contacts with Somali leaders, civic organizations and the States and organizations concerned.
In view of the difficult security situation inside Somalia, UNPOS has been working from Nairobi, Kenya. The Head of the office is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia who closely monitors the situation in and relating to Somalia and assists the Secretary-General provide periodic briefings and written reports to the Security Council every four months.