By Beatrice Debut
Nairobi - The emergence of Islamic courts in Mogadishu fighting 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 have fought ever since over territorial and strategic interests.
The warlords, who control heavily-armed militia, have 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.
However, their authority has 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 are 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.
"The Islamic courts erected checkpoints on roads, barring warlords from travelling from their fiefdoms and hence provoking them to react," said a Somali analyst who spoke to AFP in Nairobi on condition of anonymity.
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 is 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.
But "it is in essence a fight for political, military and financial supremacy," said a Western diplomat, who predicted another round of fighting.
The ARPCT is an initiative believed by some to be backed by Washington. It is aimed at curbing the influence of Islamic extremism in Somalia and fighting the possible presence of terrorists there.
Critics have accused the Islamic courts, which have set up a form of quasi-judicial system in Mogadishu, of having links to the Al-Qaeda network.
Western intelligence groups have long warned that the international community's failure to support efforts to stabilise Somalia risks allowing the country to become a breeding ground for Islamic extremism.
They have also expressed concern at the influence of the clerics.
But analysts say Mogadishu residents are sympathetic to the Islamic courts.
"The Islamic courts are favoured by residents of Mogadishu who are fed up with the warlords," the diplomat said.
"Islamic court militia impose cheaper taxes, are more disciplined. There is less violence and security is better," according to the Somalia analyst.
But the analysts contend that the courts, which represent a clan or a sub-clan, are themselves divided, with some backing calls for the establishment of an Islamic nation in the moderately Muslim nation, while others champion sectarian interests. - Sapa-AFP