MOGADISHU, 20 February, 2021 (TON): Taking into account the armed clashes in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the UN on Friday called for calm and restraint by all parties as security forces opened fire to break up anti-government protests in the city.

The organization has urged to open communication and dialogue between the government and the opposition presidential candidates.  

In a statement that came amid infrequent gun-fires and rockets exploded that said, "The UN in Somalia notes that the clashes in Mogadishu underscore the urgent need for Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to come together to reach political agreement on the implementation of the 17 September electoral model.”.

The clashes came after the government said its forces foiled an attack on one of its military bases in Mogadishu.

However, the opposition leaders who organized Friday's protests have accused the government of attacking their positions ahead of the planned rally.

The incident got condemned by the Council of Presidential Candidates led by former presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his predecessor Sharif Sheikh Ahmed saying their positions were attacked by government forces.