The United Nations, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Italy are deeply concerned about reports of rising tensions in the Somali city of Gaalkacyo following an outbreak of fighting on 22 November that left at least six people dead and dozens injured.

Hundreds of civilian residents have fled Gaalkacyo and environs in anticipation of renewed hostilities between the security forces of Puntland and Galmudug, which remain in a dangerous standoff, despite a ceasefire that was brokered by elders four days ago.

“We welcome the initiative of Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke to de-escalate mounting tensions and find a peaceful solution,  and we urge both sides to cooperate with him. We also commend the efforts of elders from northern and southern Gaalkacyo to restore calm and avert another outbreak of fighting.

“We call on the leadership of Puntland and Galmudug to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and work together to assist civilians who have been displaced by the recent fighting. We also urge these leaders to instruct their security forces to stand down and conduct an orderly withdrawal from the line of division separating the northern and southern districts of Gaalkacyo city in order to prevent further bloodshed.”