The Hindu : International : Somali battle over choice of capital

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 01, 2005

International

International

Somali battle over choice of capital

PRETORIA: Rival factions in Somalia on Monday battled for control of the south-western city of Baidoa, where President Abdullahi Yusuf plans to establish a temporary capital.

The heavy fighting, which involved truck-mounted anti-aircraft missiles, mortars and heavy machine guns, is blamed for the deaths of 19 persons and injuries to 28. The fighting began at about 3:45a.m., when shooting broke out between militia loyal to rival Somali MPs.

At the centre of the dispute is the question of where the capital should be located. One faction is led by Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade, an MP who has held control of Baidoa for several months. He is against President Yusuf's plan to move the interim capital to Baidoa. Mr. Habsade dismissed Somali media reports that the attackers had taken control of up to half of Baidoa.

He accused Justice Minister and the Agriculture Minister of orchestrating the assault. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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