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International Politics 'Somalia in a state of war'

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Last Modified: 21 Dec 2006
By: Sue Turton

The Islamist leaders of Mogadishu warn that they consider themselves at war now with Ethiopa.

Leader of Somalia's Islamic courts Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys addresses journalists in the capital Mogadishu (Reuters)

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Somalia is now in a state of war. That was the warning from Islamist leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys in Mogadishu as his militias clashed with pro-government fighters for a second day.

Only yesterday, both sides agreed to a ceasefire and talks after meetings with EU envoy Louis Michel.

But the deal broke down within hours and Sheik Aweys called on his countrymen to take part in the struggle against Ethiopia, whose troops are reported to be fighting on the government's side.

Sue Turton reports on the latest violence in Somalia and explains how it's dragging in neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa.

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