afrol News, 12 May - The US government has condemned the latest escalation of violence and attacks on the Somali Transitional Federal Government by armed militias in the country’s capital Mogadishu. Mogadishu became a battle field late Saturday when armed Islamist militias attacked governemnt forces to take control of the remaining part of the capital.

The US called on the warring parties to end hostilities and spare the country of renewed clashes, further urging them to support the Djibouti peace process and find accommodation in the new government.

“We further call on all governments in the region to support the people of Somalia by aiding the Djibouti process and to cease all support to spoilers attempting to undermine the peace process and the Transitional Federal Government," the US government statement said.

Meanwhile, thousands of Somali’s in Mogadishu have reportedly been fleeing the escalating clashes in the capital, as radical Islamist groups intensify their attacks on the government and civilians population. More than 30 lives have reportedly been lost since Saturday.

However, on Monday, Somalia's President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed blamed radical Islamists for the renewed bloodshed in Somalia.

Since the ouster of the Islamic Court that ruled most parts of the country, the Horn of Africa state has seen renewed violence from pro-government fighters demanding the re-establishment of an Islamic state and Sharia Court.

The Somali’s radical insurgency group, Al Shabab has also been trying to topple the weak government since late 2006, and currently controls much of southern Somalia, with the government controlling few blocks of Mogadishu and one border town.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991, when warlords overthrew longtime dictator Mohamed Siad Barre and turned against each other.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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