Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, today urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as armed clashes flared up again in Somalia's southern port city of Kismayo among groups claiming leadership over the “Jubbaland” regional administration.

Reports suggest serious clashes over the last days have led to a number of casualties, including civilian deaths.

SRSG Kay said: "At the same time as this new fighting has broken out, contacts are underway to put together an inclusive process to defuse tensions. The details are being worked out. This is not the time to engage in violence which will entrench positions and make it all the harder to achieve a settlement and begin reconciliation. I call on all parties to refrain from any action which could be seen as a provocation, and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”