Somalia: UN envoy voices concern about parliamentary infighting
Publisher | UN News Service |
Publication Date | 6 January 2012 |
Cite as | UN News Service, Somalia: UN envoy voices concern about parliamentary infighting, 6 January 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f0c1e712.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to media reports, a scuffle broke out in Somalia's Parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers disputed the election of the legislature's new Speaker. The brawl, which saw some parliamentarians engage in fist-fighting, reportedly sent three to the hospital.
"This clash is particularly ill-timed, coming at a moment when the entire region, and indeed the international community as a whole, is scaling up attention and support for Somalia to advance the recent gains on the security and political tracks," said Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, who also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Mr. Mahiga noted that the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) would continue to support efforts "to seek a peaceful resolution to the controversy among parliamentarians" and help the country's Government find a solution to the impasse.
"UNPOS stands ready to facilitate with good offices to end this distracting quarrel, which serves to help neither Somalia nor the Somali people and is detrimental to the peace process," he stated.
The political developments in Somalia come against the backdrop of a major improvement in the country's security, especially since August, when the insurgents of Al Shabaab were forced to withdraw from the capital, Mogadishu, under pressure from forces supporting the transitional Government and the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM).