The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq’s (UNAMI) mandate for 19 months, following an official request from the Iraqi government to end the mission by the end of 2025.

The Security Council’s resolution following the meeting on Friday said that it “takes note of the Government of Iraq’s letter dated 8 May 2024 and decides to extend UNAMI’s mandate for a final 19-month period until 31 December 2025 after which UNAMI will cease all work and operations except with respect to any remaining liquidation of the Mission pursuant to paragraph two.”

The resolution further stated that the UN Secretary General coordinates with the Iraqi government on “a transition and liquidation plan to be completed by 31 December 2024, for UNAMI to start the transfer of its tasks, as well as the orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal of its personnel and assets.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani officially requested earlier in May that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, conclude UNAMI's mission in Iraq by December 2025.

In a letter addressed to the Security Council, PM Sudani emphasized Iraq's commitment to enhancing collaboration with other UN agencies while stating that the political functions of the UNAMI were no longer required.

UNAMI was established in 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1500, following a request from the Iraqi government at the time.

The mission advises the government on political dialogue and reconciliation, as well as helping with elections and security sector reform.

Addressing Iraq’s request to end UNAMI’s mandate, government spokesperson Bassim al-Awadi last week said that the country still requires “the UN's presence and assistance, particularly concerning climate and environmental matters, albeit in a new format that does not entail permanent presence but periodic committee formation to engage in specific issues.”