Hiiraan Online

by Daniel Ooko

In a statement issued in Nairobi, UN Special Representative forSomalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said the violence, which has led to the deaths and displacement of a large number of civilians, was completely unacceptable.

"There must be an immediate end to this fighting. There is now a legitimate, internationally recognized government in Mogadishu which should be supported," said Ould-Abdallah. "Instead, irresponsible elements backed by foreigners, have attacked Mogadishu in an attempt to seize power by force. It is interesting that no particular clan has publicly admitted responsibility for this attempt to destabilize Somalia."

The latest fighting which has killed more than 100 people, began on Thursday and escalated over the weekend between pro-government forces and Islamist groups.

"The people of Somalia have clearly shown they are sick and tired of the conflict yet once again they are subjected to violence which has killed and displaced innocent men, women and children. I can not understand why Somalis are fighting and killing Somalis," said Ould-Abdallah.

The UN envoy said the Djibouti Peace Process was continuing and was open to any group that supported peace and stability.

He stated he was pleased that the regional grouping IGAD and the African Union had moved quickly to condemn the conflict, reject aggression and prepare effective action.

"There is absolutely no justification for this violence and those who launched these attacks must bear full responsibility for the consequences. They are intent on continuing the violence and anarchy of the past two decades and should be rejected by the Somali people and the international community," he said.

Somalia, a nation of about eight million people, has experienced almost constant conflict since the collapse of its central government in January 1991.