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UN envoy Winston Tubman has expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of life in Somalia due to outbreaks of fighting in the country.
“Somalia has become a watchword for violence and anarchy around the world,” said Tubman, who is the Secretary-General's Representative for Somalia. "This vicious cycle of violence must stop.”
In a statement released by the UN Political Office for Somalia, he urged all Somalis to seek peaceful means to settle disputes.
Mogadishu, Baidoa, Puntland and Gedo regions have all experienced outbreaks of violence with heavy loss of life in recent months, the statement noted. The UN itself had seen four of its staff held hostage in Mogadishu in the last six months.
Tubman also said the "pervasive climate of insecurity" was not conducive to preparations for the Somalia National Reconciliation conference, currently being prepared by the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“Somalis should not squander another opportunity to find peace, but should be seeking ways to reconcile among themselves before the international interest in their country dissipates,” he warned.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
