UN Envoy to Somalia concerned over violence, urges restraint in Somaliland

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has expressed concern over yesterday's outbreak of violence during preparations for the parliamentary elections in Somaliland.

There have been reports that some members of parliament may have been detained and that the violence has led to a number of casualties, Mr. Kay said in a statement issued to the press.

Mr. Kay, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), called on all parties to exercise restraint and fully respect the democratic process.

Somaliland has been making positive strides towards democratic elections. Violence risks setting these gains back, Mr. Kay warned.

UNSOM, established by the UN Security Council in June of last year, is mandated to support the Federal Government of Somalia with its peace and state building agenda, including the federalism process, review of the provisional constitution and elections in 2016.

It also works to strengthen Somalia's security sector, promote respect for human rights and women's empowerment and assist in the coordination of international assistance.