Wednesday, April 16, 2014
MOGADISHU, April 16 (Xinhua) -- United Nations special representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay expressed concerns over mounting tensions in the country's northern region.
The two autonomous states of Somaliland and Puntland have been competing for control over Sool and Sanaag regions along their border.
Forces from Somaliland on Tuesday captured Taleh, provincial capital of Sool from local clan forces and authorities in Puntland said the move was tantamount to declaration of war.
"I call for calm. The situation will not be resolved by military means. All parties must refrain from violent actions, and make immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and compromise," Nicholas Kay said in a statement.
Reports from the region say that local civilians began fleeing the town and surrounding areas for fear of the escalating situation as both sides started military maneuvers.
Somali government officials have called on local authorities for calm and restraint and urged dialogue to solve the differences over the regions.
The United Nations Somalia Office (UNSOM) said that it was coordinating with international partners in supporting mediation efforts with all sides.
"The Somali people have suffered enough and know that no good can come from further violence and insecurity," said UN's Kay.