UN envoy to Somalia urges Islamist militia to withdraw from strategic town

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-United Nations envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay has called on Islamist militia in control of strategic central town to withdraw to earlier positions on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

Reacting to the seizure of Galgadud regional capital of Dhusamareb, Ambassador Kay expressed concern over the new development, and urged parties to respect a peace deal signed in nearby Guri’el on March 5.

“All parties must respect the ceasefire agreement signed in Guricel on 5 March 2015, refrain from violent actions and make immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation,” said Kay.

In his first comments on the struggle for regional influence, Kay asked Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea militias to disengage and withdraw from Dhusamareb: “I urge the ASWJ forces to disengage and withdraw to earlier positions. All differences should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and compromise”.

He warned of potential risks that could derail ongoing state formation conference in Adado town.

As of Tuesday morning, residents reported of a fresh military expansion by militias in Hanan-Bur and Marergur areas.

On Sunday, Ahlu Sunna militia took control of key army bases and police compound after government forces fled.

In December, moderate Islamists wrested control of Guri’el, however under a new deal, Ahlu Sunna agreed to de-escalate armed tensions.

 The capture of Dhusamareb comes a week after the group which adheres to Sufism pulled out of Adado conference and severed ties with Mogadishu-based Federal Government.

GAROWE ONLINE