The UN has said it is "deeply concerned" by the clashes in Somalia between the opposition and security forces.

It has called for "calm and restraint by all parties involved" and urged for dialogue.

"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 UN tweeted.

The UN and African Union urged Somali leaders to resume talks to resolve the impasse on how to proceed with elections.

The term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo ended last Monday and opposition groups have said they no longer recognise him.

Talks scheduled for 15 February failed to take place.

AU Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and UN Secretary General António Guterres called for "a spirit of compromise".