The US has warned its citizens against travelling to Somalia following the recent clashes between rival forces in Mogadishu.
In a travel advisory, US state department said outbreak of violence and the ongoing security risks have turned Mogadishu a dangerous place for its citizens.
The US Government also noted improvised explosive devices (IED) attacks had risen significantly in Mogadishu since the beginning of the year compared to last year.
“The security situation has deteriorated in the last few months. March saw the highest number of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Mogadishu since September 2019,” the advisory read in part. “ Mogadishu has experienced one suicide vehicle-borne IED each month in 2021 compared to six for the entirety of 2020.”
In a separate statement, US said it is gravely concerned by the violent clashes yesterday in Mogadishu.
“We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve their differences peacefully. Dialogue and consensus are the only ways to resolve the electoral impasse,” US said.
The statement urged parties to resume negotiations at once to arrive at an agreed way forward for immediate elections.
“As the Secretary has stated previously, the United States is prepared to consider all available tools, including sanctions and visa restrictions, to respond to efforts to undermine peace and stability in Somalia,” US warned.
