Thousands of people have gathered in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to watch the graduation ceremony of the city's newly formed police force.

Correspondents say the two-thousand strong force has been established to try to bring some stability to the lawless city.

During the ceremony the new police officers marched across a parade ground decorated with flowers, flags and placards.

It was sponsored by former rival faction leaders who agreed in August to set up a new administration for Mogadishu.

Somalia has been without a central government since the overthrow of the dictator, Mohamed Siad Barre, in 1991.