In a joint press statement, UN, EU, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the U.S. called on all parties to immediately cease fire and reopen talks to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the underlying issues dividing them.

"We have confirmed reports of heavy fighting that broke out in Galkayo on Thursday and escalated, at a time when the two parties were to begin the disengagement of their forces from the frontlines,” they said in the statement released in Mogadishu.

"We encourage the parties and the government of Somalia to explore the possibility of deploying impartial observers to ensure compliance with the agreed ceasefire and identify spoilers who seek to undermine agreements like the one signed in Galkayo on Wednesday,” it added.

The two warring sides clashed two weeks ago in Galkayo city of Mudug region, which is controlled by the two administrations, Galmudug in the southern parts and Puntland in the northern parts.