African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called on Somali leaders to exercise restraint and resolve disputes peacefully amid rising tensions in the South West State of Somalia.
In a statement issued on Sunday from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Youssouf emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, urging all stakeholders to make constructive use of the National Consultative Council as a platform for consensus-building.
“The Chairperson recalls the National Consultative Council as an important framework for inclusive dialogue and consensus-building and encourages all Somali stakeholders to make constructive use of this platform to resolve differences peacefully,” the African Union statement said.
Youssouf highlighted that disagreements between the Federal Government and Federal Member States should be addressed through dialogue, stressing that unity and cooperation remain critical for the country’s stability.
The AU Commission expressed concern over the potential impact of escalating tensions on Somalia’s security, unity, and humanitarian situation.
“The Chairperson calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could lead to escalation,” the statement added, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to preventing conflict and fostering peaceful solutions.
The African Union reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s peace, stability, and state-building efforts, noting that it stands ready to assist in dialogue and reconciliation processes.
The Chairperson’s message comes as part of ongoing monitoring by the AU of political and security developments in Somalia, underscoring the organization’s role in promoting peace and stability across the continent.
Somalia has faced persistent political tensions between federal and regional authorities, and the AU’s intervention emphasizes the need for dialogue to prevent further destabilization.
Stakeholders are encouraged to prioritize the country’s national interest and work collaboratively to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has also raised concerns on developments in the South West State of Somalia, amid rising political tensions between the federal government and regional authorities.
The mission emphasized that disputes between the Federal Government of Somalia and federal member states should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We are concerned about the effect that rising tensions could have on stability, security, unity and the humanitarian situation in Somalia,” UNSOM stated, urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue.
The UN also warned that any escalation could threaten fragile gains in the Horn of Africa nation, highlighting the urgent need for peaceful resolution mechanisms to maintain Somalia’s stability, security, and national unity.