Int'l community welcomes peace efforts by elders in central Somalia

The international community on Tuesday hailed efforts by local Somali elders and business people to mediate for a peaceful solution in the troubled region of central Somalia.

In a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the United Nations, the Africa Union, the United States, the European Union, and Eastern Africa regional body Inter-governmental Authority on Development said they were impressed by the steps taken by the local leaders to restore calm in Guricel region of Central Somalia which has experienced inter clan fighting and claimed many lives.

The international community also expressed concern about the humanitarian impact and loss of life stemming from the conflict and called upon all parties to refrain from violence.

More than 30 people were killed late January in Guricel when fighting erupted pitying two clans in the region.

The international community also called for a collaborative process towards the state formation process in central Somalia.

"We look forward to the conclusion of the valuable Dhusamareb reconciliation conference, and look forward to the swift launch of the state formation conference in Adado," they said.

A recent report from Guricel region said at least six people have been killed in fresh fighting in the area when government troops clashed with the moderate Islamist group Ahlusunah wal Jamaa. Endi