MOGADISHU — The United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, urging political leaders and security actors to immediately halt hostilities and return to dialogue to prevent further instability.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) said it was “deeply concerned” by reports of armed clashes in the capital and called on all parties to exercise restraint.
“UNTMIS urges all political and security stakeholders to demonstrate responsible leadership, refrain from actions that could endanger civilians, and prioritize peaceful engagement to resolve differences,” the statement said.
The UN mission warned that Somalia should avoid repeating the political and security turmoil that accompanied the electoral crisis of 2021, when tensions between rival political factions triggered armed confrontations in Mogadishu and heightened fears of wider instability.
“The lessons of 2021 remain relevant today. Somalia cannot afford a return to political violence and division at a time when unity is essential for national security, state-building and democratic progress,” the mission said.
The warning comes amid reports of clashes involving government forces and opposition-aligned groups in parts of the capital, raising concerns among residents and international partners about the potential impact on civilians and ongoing efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.
Regional bloc IGAD also condemned the violence and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions.
“IGAD strongly condemns all acts of violence reported in Mogadishu and calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue,” the organization said in a statement.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stressed that Somalia’s stability remains a regional priority and urged political leaders to place the interests of citizens above partisan considerations.
“The people of Somalia deserve peace, security and stability. All stakeholders must prioritize the national interest, engage in constructive dialogue and resolve their differences through consensus and peaceful means,” Gebeyehu said.
The regional organization emphasized that Somalia’s unity and security should not be jeopardized by political disagreements, warning that continued confrontations could undermine gains made in governance, security reforms and the fight against armed groups.
Both the United Nations and IGAD reaffirmed their readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting dialogue, reconciliation and political consensus, while urging Somali leaders to work together to preserve peace and prevent further escalation.
The statements come as concerns grow over the humanitarian and political consequences of the fighting, with observers warning that prolonged instability in the capital could affect civilian safety, government operations and broader efforts to strengthen Somalia’s fragile institutions.
No official casualty figures have yet been released, but security forces remain deployed across key areas of Mogadishu as authorities seek to contain the situation.
