Gulf States Concerned about Somalia Unrest

Gulf countries expressed on Saturday their concern over the recent developments in Somalia, urging restraint after clashes broke out between government troops and opposition supporters, who were protesting over delayed elections.

Saudi Arabia expressed its concern over the unrest, saying the government was closely watching the developments.

The Foreign Ministry called for calm, hoping that the Somali people will resolve their differences through peaceful means and dialogue in order to preserve their country’s unity and stability.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called on the Somali government and all parties to exercise restraint in order to achieve their people’s aspirations for a secure and stable future.

It added that it supports all international efforts and initiatives to hold elections on time.

The Gulf Cooperation Council urged calm in Somalia, saying differences must be resolved through peaceful means, such as negotiations and constructive dialogue, in order to reach comprehensive national consensus to boost security, stability and development in the country.

Somali lawmakers were due to select a new president on Feb. 8, but the process was delayed after the opposition accused President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who is seeking a second term, of packing regional and national electoral boards with supporters.

An opposition alliance says his term has expired and he is no longer president.

Several people have been wounded in the clashes the broke out on Friday.