UN Security Council calls for immediate end to hostilities in Somalia

UN Security Council members said in a statement that they were "deeply concerned" about the political stalemate and disagreement among Somali leaders over the electoral process.

Members of the Security Council said that ongoing disputes over the electoral process would not only undermine the progress of the crisis, but also divert attention from ongoing problems; including floods, droughts, locusts, COVID-19, and the threat posed by al-Shabaab.

They said reaching an agreement on the elections would facilitate facilitation for the development of Somalia and its people.

"Members of the Security Council underline that reaching an agreement is essential to the successful conduct of any electoral process. "They noted that the September 17 agreement is the only basis supported by the Somali federal government and all regional governments," the statement said.

"Therefore, members of the Security Council call on all Somali parties to refrain from violence and resume talks immediately, without preconditions."

They called on Somali leaders to resolve the remaining issues, put the interests of the Somali people first, and quickly agree on a timeline for an election.

They added that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), in collaboration with AMISOM, the African Union, the European Union, IGAD and other international partners, is ready to assist.

Members of the Security Council welcomed Farmajo's request to DR Congo's president and chairman of the African Union to mediate between Somali political stakeholders, and expressed support for his region's efforts to bring the Somali parties to the negotiating table.