Fresh clashes in Somali capital

Mogadishu has seen a decade of civil war

Heavy fighting has continued for a third day in Somalia between forces of the transitional government and militiamen loyal to the warlord, Musa Sudi Yalahow.

The clashes took place on the outskirts of the capital, Mogadishu.

Twenty people have been killed in the fighting since Friday.

The renewed violence breaks an informal ceasefire agreed on Saturday, and comes on the eve of the government's first anniversary in office.

Mr Yalahow accused government troops of violating the truce, but the government says Mr Yalahow's supporters had attacked the Maslah military training camp - the scene of Friday's clashes.

Anniversary

For a decade there has been no central authority in Somalia - no government, no order, just rival clan militias.

Warlords control violent militia groups

But last August a transitional national government was set up in exile by forces opposed to the warlords.

That government has now returned to Mogadishu and is slowly trying to extend its authority over the city and the country.

But the warlords, who have profited from the anarchy in one of the world's poorest countries, have little incentive to recognise the new government.

Many of Mogadishu's newly trained policemen are actually former militia fighters.

The population by and large appears tired of the chaos and anxious to support the transitional government.

But the warlords and Somalia's tight-knit clan system continue to throw obstacles in the path of national reconciliation.