Africa-Press. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has expressed deep concern regarding reports of violence and armed clashes that have occurred in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in recent days. He called for the utmost restraint and urged against any actions that could escalate tensions.
A spokesperson for the Secretary-General emphasized that Guterres stressed the importance of resolving political disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, while respecting constitutional institutions and maintaining stability in the face of ongoing security challenges.
These statements from the Secretary-General come after clashes erupted between government forces and opposition-aligned militants in several neighborhoods of Mogadishu, resulting in civilian displacement and damage to property, amid mutual accusations between the government and the opposition regarding responsibility for the escalation.
The current crisis is linked to political disagreements over constitutional amendments and the electoral process, with opposition figures accusing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to extend his stay in power, while the government asserts that the measures taken are based on decisions from state institutions.
This tension arises as Somalia continues to face threats from the “Shabaab” group, in addition to the political and security challenges associated with state-building and enhancing stability in the country.
