Its primary purpose was to assist the Federal Government of Somalia in achieving peace, stability and reconciliation.

[5][6] UNSOM replaced the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), which was in existence from 15 April 1995 until the expiration of its Security Council mandate on 2 June 2013.

By October 2026, the mission's functions are expected to fully transfer to support Somalia's development goals.

[12] The Mission had its headquarters in Mogadishu and also had offices in Kismaayo (in the state of Jubaland), Hargeisa (in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland), Garowe (Puntland), Baidoa (South West) and Belet Weyne (Hirshabelle).

[5][13] UNSOM was created by means of United Nations Security Council resolution 2102, adopted unanimously on 3 June 2013.