The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, strongly condemns the outbreak of fighting between clan militiamen in Beletweyne, the capital of Somalia’s Hiiraan region, that began on Friday. The Special Representative called for an immediate end to the fighting and urged local elders in Beletweyne to mediate between the warring communities.

The hostilities escalated this morning and have resulted in numerous casualties among the civilian population thus far. Peacekeeping troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia have intervened in a bid to end the fighting.

“We deeply regret the loss of lives in Beletweyne, especially at a time when all communities in Beletweyne should be reconciling and coming together for the state formation process,” said SRSG Kay. “The Hiiraan region should make positive strides in the state formation and be united in order to contribute to the national political process. Violence impedes progress in these important processes and risks destabilizing the region and causing insecurity for its people. I call upon the leaders of the involved militias to exercise restraint and settle their differences through traditional means peacefully.”

SRSG Kay extends his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have suffered as a result of the recent violence.