NAIROBI, May 29 (Xinhua) — The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Somalia on Monday condemned violence in Mogadishu, urging warring factions to act with humanity.
In a statement issued in Nairobi, UN envoy Eric Laroche said he was deeply disturbed by the fighting which has cost civilian lives and brought further insecurity to the UN humanitarian workers trying to address the serious drought situation.
“The humanitarian coordinator for Somalia is deeply concerned by these reports, as well as shocked at the targeting of hospitals, which are blatant violations of the basic rules of international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
The humanitarian coordinator’s statement came as latest clashes, which centered on Daynile and Galgalato districts in Mogadishu over the weekend, have claimed 13 lives.
Since the beginning of the year, about 1,500 conflict-related wounded have been admitted to Mogadishu’s two main hospitals.
Some 200 people have died in clashes this year between militias loyal to Mogadishu’s Islamic courts and an alliance of warlords.
Laroche urged the warring parties to “spare the lives of those not involved in the hostilities and to take all the necessary measures to prevent unnecessary human suffering.”
Laroche reminded the warring factions “that any deliberate attempt to prevent wounded or civilians receiving assistance and protection during fighting in the city may constitute elements of future war crimes.”
Last week’s fighting between Muslim militias and warlords further dampens attempts to restore order to Somalia, which has been swept by anarchy for the past 15 years, since dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.
A transitional Somali government based in the northern city of Baidoa has so far been unable to establish control of the Horn of Africa country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua, May 29, 2006
