Violence claims 52 in Somalia
2006-03-30 08:41
Mogadishu - The emergence of Islamic courts, jostling for control of the lawless Somali capital with traditional warlords, has been blamed for a fresh wave of violence that claimed 52 lives and wounded hundreds last week.
After plunging into chaos in 1991 following the ouster of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, the Horn of Africa nation fell into the hands of rival warlords.
They divided it into fiefdoms, which had fought ever since over territorial and strategic interests.
The warlords, who controlled heavily armed militia, had made a living out of roadblocks set up on main roads and levy taxes on users as well as residents of the regions under their control.
Courts 'mushroomed in 2004'
However, their authority had in recent years been challenged by the emergence of Islamic courts, equally backed by fighters toting an array of firearms.
According to the influential Brussels-based International Crisis Group, the courts, which first came into existence in 1994, mushroomed in 2004.
There were now some 11 of them in Mogadishu under the Supreme Council of Islamic court of Somalia umbrella.
Last week's clashes, among the fiercest in recent years, pitted fighters backing a powerful Mogadishu warlord against rivals led by a warlord associated with the Islamic courts.
They were battling over a strategic piece of land near an airport, north of the capital.
Influence of Islamic courts
A Somali analyst said: "The Islamic courts erected checkpoints on roads, barring warlords from travelling from their fiefdoms and hence provoking them to react."
Warlord Abukar Omar Adan, allied to the Islamic courts, clashed with his rival Bashir Raghe Shirar of the newly formed Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT) - which was opposed to the growing influence of the Islamic courts - over the piece of land attached to the northern Aisaley airport.
Adan claimed victory, and thus access to roads leading to Elmaan port, Somali's busiest since the main Mogadishu port was shut in 1995 after warlords squabbled over its control.
A Western diplomat, who predicted another round of fighting, said: "It is in essence a fight for political, military and financial supremacy."
Presence of terrorists
The ARPCT was an initiative believed by some to be backed by Washington.
It was aimed at curbing the influence of Islamic extremism in Somalia and fighting the possible presence of terrorists there.
Critics had accused the Islamic courts, which had set up a form of quasi-judicial system in Mogadishu, of having links to the al-Qaeda network.
Western intelligence groups had long warned that the international community's failure to support efforts to stabilise Somalia risked allowing the country to become a breeding ground for Islamic extremism.
They had also expressed concern at the influence of the clerics. But, analysts said Mogadishu residents were sympathetic to the Islamic courts.