AU, IGAD call for maximum restraint, immediate de-escalation in Somali capital

ADDIS ABABA, June 4 — The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday called for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. In a press statement, the AU Commission said it is “deeply concerned” by reported security developments in Mogadishu, including armed clashes in civilian areas. It called on all parties to “immediately stop the fighting and exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions.”