Somalia is asking the United Nations to terminate its political mission in the country, which has been assisting the government to bring peace and stability in the face of attacks by the al-Qaida-link

Somalia's government has requested the termination of a U.N. political mission that has advised it on peace-building, security reforms and democracy for over a decade, according to a letter the foreign minister wrote to the Security Council.

The request for mission termination comes amidst intensified attacks by al-Shabab, prompting international efforts to bolster Somalia's security capabilities. In mid-February, the United States announced plans to build up to five military bases for the Somali army,