The top U.N. envoy in Somalia Friday voiced his concern over escalating tensions in Baidoa surrounding a federal state-building conference, calling for calm and dialogue by all parties as they address legitimate concerns. "It is important that all parties remain calm, committed to dialogue, and support reconciliation efforts," Nicholas Kay said in a statement issued by the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Kay, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special representative and head of UNSOM, called on traditional leaders, politicians, and all stakeholders to play a "constructive and reconciliatory" role amid the ongoing process to form a federal state in the region. "Nobody should risk taking steps that spoil peace- and state-building processes. I recognize the need for all stakeholders to meet without delay in Baidoa to address the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all parties," Kay said. UNSOM said that it is working closely with local partners, the federal government, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and others to reinvigorate peaceful talks and reconciliation efforts. The continuing process of forming regional administrations is "critical" to the development of a federal system in Somalia, although it remains a difficult proposition, according to Ban.
