12 killed in fighting between Islamists in Somalia

December 27, 2008 (MOGADISHU) — At least twelve people were killed as result of fighting between rival Islamist factions in central Somalia. The death tool includes civilian and fighters.

The fighting erupted Saturday between Al Shebab militia and another local militia, Ahlu-sunah Wal-jamea, in the town of Guriel, 370 km north of Mogadishu, over the control of the area.

The Somali Islamists, who control most of central and southern Somalia, are divided. One faction, led by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has signed a peace deal with the U.N.-backed government but other factions, including al-Shabab, have continued to fight.

Besides the doctrinal differences, the Somali Islamists are more divided on tribal basis. The local group accused Al-Shebab of harassing their members and destroying the tomb of revered sheiks.

The Somali government has been losing territory to Islamist Al-Shebab, which have made the greatest territorial gains in the past few months, seek to impose Islamic law in the country.

Al-Shabab and Ethiopian troops supporting the government are expected to pull out within days after a two year deployment.

Ethiopian troops are in Somalia to help support the current government. But they are scheduled to withdraw by the end of the month, despite rising concerns about what will happen when they leave.

Some Somali officials say once Ethiopia pulls out, there is nothing to stop insurgent groups like al-Shabab from taking over the entire country.

The Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf who said he would announce his resignation on Saturday didn’t address a special session of parliament as expected today. Parliamentary speaker Sheik Aden Mohamed Nur said the session would be held on Monday instead.

Yusuf is facing important pressures to retract from his previous decision. There are fears that his departure could lead to disaggregate the weak government.

(ST)