The United Nations appealed to Somali leaders to resume dialogue following renewed clashes in the capital, Mogadishu, which have raised concerns about civilian safety and political instability.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm over reports of violence in the city, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday. “The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint, avoid actions that could fuel further violence, and resolve political differences through dialogue,” Dujarric noted in a statement to reporters.

The UN chief emphasized the urgency for all stakeholders to return to negotiations to prevent a setback to the progress Somalia has made and to protect civilians and essential infrastructure. The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNITAMS), together with international partners, has repeatedly warned that failing to address disagreements over the country's electoral roadmap could trigger a crisis similar to that of 2021.

“These warnings, unfortunately, were not heeded,” Dujarric said, adding that Somali leaders must put the national interest first and return to talks that broke down on May 15. International partners have pledged to support and facilitate such discussions.

The call comes as media reports indicate that clashes between supporters of opposition politicians and security forces continued on Thursday. Fighting began on Wednesday evening ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration.