In surprise move

The government of Somalia officially asked for the end of a U.N. political mission that has been advising on peace-building, security reforms, and democracy for more than ten years. The request, made in a letter from the foreign minister to the Security Council, came as a surprise to the 360-member United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOLD). Despite ongoing conflict and a lengthy insurgency by al Qaeda-linked militants, Somali authorities have been working to improve services and security in the country. However,…