MOGADISHU, Somalia – The International partners issued a joint statement on Sunday to strongly condemn the escalation of conflict in Laascaanood, including reports of fighting spreading outside the town.
“We urge all sides to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. We call for an end to the mobilization of fighters and to the provision of supplies and armaments,” they said.
The foreign diplomatic missions expressed deep concern about reports of large numbers of detainees and expected those involved to abide by human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“We reiterate the importance of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and delivery of assistance to those in need,” reads the statement in part.
Finally, they urged all parties to refrain from divisive rhetoric and all grievances and tensions to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue.
The call comes a day after SSC-Khatumo forces captured the Goojacadde base near LasAnod from Somaliland troops following a deadly battle that ended the continued bombardments.
