The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal to Somali leaders to resume political dialogue following a surge of violence in the capital, Mogadishu. The renewed clashes have sparked widespread concern over civilian safety and the overall political stability of the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm regarding the reports of violence in the city. According to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General is calling on all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any actions that could further ignite the situation, emphasizing that political differences must be resolved through diplomatic means.
The unrest follows a critical breakdown in negotiations on May 15, which the UN warns could lead to a severe crisis. The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNITAMS), alongside international partners, has repeatedly emphasized that disagreements over the country's electoral roadmap must be resolved to avoid a repeat of the instability witnessed in 2021.
"These warnings, unfortunately, were not heeded," Dujarric stated, urging Somali leaders to prioritize the national interest and return to the negotiating table. International partners have reiterated their commitment to supporting and facilitating these essential discussions to protect civilians and vital infrastructure.
The calls for peace come as Mogadishu continues to grapple with clashes between security forces and supporters of opposition politicians. The fighting, which erupted on Wednesday evening ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration, continued through Thursday, highlighting the fragile state of current political ties in the capital.
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UN urges dialogue as violence escalates in Somalia's capital
cgtn.com
