End the violence, UN chief tells Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned against the escalating violence in Mogadishu and called on all parties to refrain from further violence even as the city witnesses an exodus amid a deteriorating situation.

“He (Guterres ) reiterates his call for all Somali stakeholders to refrain from further violence and resolve their differences through dialogue and compromise,” the UN boss said.

Guterres affirmed that September 17, 2020, Agreement and the Baidoa Technical Framework remain the only viable options to resolving the ongoing electoral stalemate. He called for a return to dialogue.

Meanwhile, foreign missions led by the UN in Somalia also raised the alarm over the violence and escalation of tensions in the city echoing the UN head’s call for calm and restraint.

“In the wake of the violence on 25 April, we urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint, resume dialogue, and avoid unilateral actions that may lead to a further escalation,’ the foreign missions said in a statement.

They noted the violence was a result of Farmaajo’s term extension which they had warned against.

“We have repeatedly warned that the extension of mandates would lead to a political crisis and undermine peace, stability and security in Somalia,” the statement added.

The statements come amid an exodus in the city as tensions boil over with government and opposition forces rearing for a clash.