Mogadishu (SD) – The United Nations Office in Somalia has called for an immediate end to the violence in Mogadishu in the last few hours following protests by anti-government protesters in Mogadishu.

The United Nations has called on the Somali government and the Union of Candidates to show calm and restraint and reopen talks to defuse tensions.

“The UN in Somalia is deeply concerned by armed clashes in Mogadishu overnight and on Friday morning, calls for calm and restraint by all parties involved, and urges that open lines of communication be maintained to help reduce tensions.” The UN office in Mogadishu posted on twitter.

The United Nations in Somalia has also called on the federal government and member states to convene a meeting to discuss the country’s election dispute.

“The UN in Somalia notes that the clashes in Mogadishu underscore the urgent need for Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to come together to reach political agreement on the implementation of the 17 September electoral model.”

The situation in Mogadishu has been volatile for the past 24 hours, following protests called by the candidates’ union against government, leading to clashes between protesters and government forces.