Somalia 'ready to offer a helping hand' to solve Gulf crisis

Somalia has added its voice to the ongoing row in the Gulf region saying it is ready to help find a solution to the dispute.

The government said in a statement on Wednesday that it is concerned about the diplomatic row and advised that it should be settled with dialogue within the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

“Somalia as a member of both the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference is ready to give a helping hand to find a solution to the dispute among the brotherly countries,” the statement said.

Other African countries have added their voice for a settlement of the crisis.

The government of Seychelles called on all the parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to resolve and deescalate the current situation.

However, Mauritania, a member of the Arab League, severed ties with Qatar and Senegal recalled its ambassador in the country while expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Gabon condemned Qatar for “failing to respect international commitments and agreements on counter-terrorism,” a statement from its foreign ministry said.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, cut diplomatic relations with Qatar on Monday, accusing the small country of supporting Islamist militants and Iran. Qatar vehemently denies the claims.