MOGADISHU, April 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — International partners among them the African Union have strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Mogadishu.
The partners African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations have repeatedly warned that the extension of mandates would lead to a political crisis and undermine peace, stability and security in Somalia.
“In the wake of the violence on 25th April, we urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint, resume dialogue, and avoid unilateral actions that may lead to a further escalation,” they said.
They have reiterated that the 17th September 2020 agreement remains the only agreed model for elections and urged the signatories of this agreement to return immediately to talks on that basis.
“We are alarmed especially by the emerging fragmentation of the Somali National Army (SNA) along clan lines, which detracts from its primary task of combating Al Shabab and protecting the Somali population. Use of security forces for pursuit of political objectives is unacceptable,” they said.
They welcomed the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council to appoint a Special Envoy and urged that this high-level representative arrives in Mogadishu to begin work as soon as possible.
“We stand ready as partners to extend our support to this Envoy. Meanwhile we continue efforts to bring the parties together as we reaffirm our respect for Somali sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence,” they said.