The head of the U.N. mission in Somalia Monday appealed for the end to clan-based fighting in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region. "All parties must refrain from violent actions, make immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and compromise," Nicholas Kay, head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), said in a statement. "I welcome the efforts of the Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, to diffuse tensions and restore stability. I call on the parties to respect the Prime Minister's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to cooperate fully with the ministerial delegation being sent to the area," Kay said. "The Somali people have suffered enough and know that no good can come from further violence and insecurity. We stand ready to support mediation efforts," Kay said. According to media reports, the clashes affected hundreds of residents and farmers in areas newly liberated in recent months from the insurgent group Al-Shabaab by the Somali National Army backed by the African Union Mission in Somali (AMISOM).
