UN Security Council Votes to End UN Assistance Mission in Iraq by December 2025

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously decided to terminate the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) by December 31, 2025, after 22 years of operation. This decision follows a request from the Iraqi government, which had initially asked for the mission to be closed by May 31, 2026, with a two-year transition period.

Why this matters: This decision marks a significant shift in the international community's involvement in Iraq, acknowledging the country's progress towards stability and self-governance. The termination of UNAMI could have implications for the region's security and the future of international involvement in Iraq.

The Security Council approved a 19-month transition period, during which UNAMI will transfer its tasks, withdraw staff and assets, and complete its liquidation plan by December 31, 2024. The mission will cease its operations by the end of 2025.

Robert A. Wood, Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, United States, remarked, *"We all recognize that Iraq has changed dramatically in recent years, and that UNAMI's mission needed to be realigned as part of our commitment to promoting a secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq. "*

Anna M. Evstigneeva, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Russian Federation, stated, *"We are convinced that in the 20 years since its establishment UNAMI has fully realized its potential to assist in the restoration of Iraqi statehood, and that the people of Iraq are now ready to assume full responsibility for the country's political future."*

The Iraqi government had requested the closure of UNAMI in a letter to the Security Council on May 8, 2024. The mission was established in 2003 following the US-led invasion of Iraq to coordinate post-conflict humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and help restore a representative government in the country.

UNAMI's mandate has been extended for a final 19-month period until December 31, 2025. The Secretary-General is required to prepare a transition and liquidation plan in consultation with the Iraqi government, to be completed by December 31, 2024.

The decision to end UNAMI marks a significant shift in the international community's involvement in Iraq, transitioning responsibilities back to the Iraqi government. This move acknowledges the progress made in Iraq's stabilization efforts, including the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group and al-Qaida extremists.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has asserted that Iraqi security forces are capable of dealing with the remaining IS cells in the country and that the coalition's presence is no longer needed. Iraq is also seeking to wind down the military coalition formed to fight IS, which still has roughly 2,500 US troops scattered around the country.

The termination of UNAMI marks the latest step in Iraq's efforts to end several international missions, including the US-led coalition created in 2014 to fight Islamic State and a UN mission established to promote accountability for the jihadist group's crimes.

The UN Security Council's decision reflects the significant progress Iraq has made towards stability and self-governance. The 19-month transition period will ensure a smooth transfer of tasks and responsibilities, paving the way for Iraq to assume full control of its political and security future.

Key Takeaways

• UN Security Council decides to terminate UNAMI by December 31, 2025.
• 19-month transition period to transfer tasks, withdraw staff, and complete liquidation plan.
• Iraqi government requested closure, citing progress towards stability and self-governance.
• UNAMI was established in 2003 after US-led invasion to coordinate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
• Termination marks a significant shift in international involvement, with Iraq assuming full control of its future.