The Presidency of the European Union reaffirms its grave concern at the renewed and serious outbreaks of fighting in the Somali capital of Mogadishu since 29 March. The Presidency deeply deplores the massive loss of human life, including the death of a Ugandan soldier serving on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as the large number of injuries sustained.
The Presidency calls on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire that has been in place since Sunday, to permanently end hostilities and to conclude an unconditional ceasefire. A ceasefire is the prerequisite for bringing the required humanitarian assistance to the affected population, which is now so urgently needed.
The Presidency again reiterates its conviction that the parties to the conflict can resolve their differences only through dialogue, not with the use of force. The European Union remains ready to support talks to this end.
