NY June 07, 2023 (SD) – The UN Security Council of the United Nations has strongly condemned the recent violence in the city of Laascaanood, located in the Sool region of northern Somalia, as stated in the press release issued by the council today.

The Security Council statement first confirmed the tragic loss of civilian lives, displacement of people, and political instability in Somalia.

The council’s report on the situation in Laascaanood indicated that many civilians had suffered from the ongoing conflict in the city, with an estimated number of up to 150,000 individuals affected. The United Nations Security Council expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the violence.

“The members of the Security Council expressed concern about the ongoing violence in Laascaanood, situated in the Sool region of Northern Somalia, which has led to a large number of civilian casualties and the displacement of more than 150,000 people. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured.” The Security Council.

The statement also read, “The members of the Security Council welcomed efforts and initiatives by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Ethiopia and clan elders to secure a ceasefire and promote inclusive, Somali-owned national dialogue.”

The United Nations called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities immediately and engage in meaningful negotiations to achieve lasting peace. “They called on all parties to reach a ceasefire agreement urgently and encouraged inclusive dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution, and called on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to provide further support in accordance with its mandate, including through engaging with all parties where necessary.”

The report further urged the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia to provide support and assistance in this matter.

The Security Council members also called on Somaliland to withdraw its forces from Laascaanood, and for all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation of the conflict. “The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of “Somaliland” security forces and called on all parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence and inflammatory rhetoric in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust and to create the conditions for peace.”

“The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of “Somaliland” security forces and called on all parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence and inflammatory rhetoric in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust and to create the conditions for peace.” The Security Council said

The council reaffirmed the obligations of all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights.

Furthermore, the council specifically emphasized that all violations should be held accountable, especially those violating international law or obstructing the realization of human rights.

The Security Council also urged donor countries to increase their support for Somalia’s peace-building efforts, with particular focus on facilitating the disarmament of militia groups and the removal of explosive remnants of war in conflict-affected areas.