Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa – The chairperson of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, has expressed his deep concern at the situation in Somalia, AU said in a statement sent to ENA on Tuesday

the Union said the chairperson is concerned at the situation in Somalia, particularly the insurgence activities by armed groups opposed to the peace and reconciliation process.

The chairperson condemned the aggression perpetrated against the Transitional Federal Government and its institutions, as well as the civilian population by those armed groups.

He expressed concern at the increasingly precarious humanitarian situation which has led to the displacement of thousands of persons in the last few days, according to the statement.

The statement said the chairperson has also reiterated the support and commitment of the African Union to the TFG.

He also considered the continued attacks on the government are rejected as an attempt of unconstitutional change of government, the statement said.

The statement said any move that derails the TFG would be sanctioned by Africa and the international community.

Welcoming the recent commitment by the international community to assist Somalia, the chairperson urged all Somalis to refrain from using violence, the statement added.

- ENA