Nairobi, March 6, 2003 (The East African Standard): The Inter Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) has warned that appropriate action will be taken on two Somali warlords for violating the agreement on the cessation of hostilities.
The special envoy to Somalia, Bethwel Kiplagat, said yesterday the Igad front-line States would consider action against Musa Sudi and Omar Mohammed for the recent escalation of war in parts of Mogadishu.
Their forces have been fighting in Mogadishu while they are also blamed for violations in the middle of Juba region.
He said the groups should stop fighting immediately to give the reconciliation process currently underway a chance to negotiate for peace.
"It is regrettable that forces allied to the two warlords have reneged on the agreement on cessation of hostilities signed under a Memorandum of Understanding," he said.
Sudi and Mohammed's forces have been fighting for the control of parts of Mogadishu in what mediators at the peace process fear could mar chances of a successful end to the war.
As Kiplagat issued the warning, an Igad source said yesterday that an urgent session of the committee on the cessation of hostilities would be convened "to deliberate on the two warlords."
The source said recommendations would be taken at the meeting to be held this week on how to deal with the warlords.
Various Somalia groups are currently meeting at a reconciliation forum under the auspices of Igad in Nairobi.
The special envoy said it was unacceptable for the warlords to ruin the progress so far achieved since the peace process commenced last October.
A committee formed recently to monitor the cessation of hostilities said "it is imperative for the fighting to stop immediately."
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