Transitional parliament met in Somalia for first time in Baidoa 26 February; adjourned session for 1 week to allow members to resolve personal differences. Insecurity continued throughout country: heavy fighting between militia associated with Islamic courts and those loyal to Mogadishu warlords left at least 38 dead in capital. Severe drought led to clashes between rival clans for control of dam inside Ethiopian border; at least 12 killed. In Puntland, clashes between gunmen loyal to Planning Minister Farole and security forces killed 3; mass protest against Danish newspaper cartoons killed 1.

Breakthrough for peace process as President Abdullahi Yusuf and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan signed Aden declaration in Yemen 5 January to unite Jowhar and Mogadishu-based rival factions of transitional government; later agreed parliament should meet in Baidoa 26 February. Mogadishu MPs endorsed deal but PM Geedi continued to favour Jowhar. AU urged UN to make exception in arms embargo to allow foreign peacekeepers to help interim government following foreign minister’s request at Khartoum AU summit. 2 former colonels and senior police officer killed in separate Mogadishu attacks, raising fears of new wave of assassinations. Various clashes between rival clans in Galguduud and Jubbada Hoose districts killed 34.

Mogadishu-based faction of transitional government established new regional council to govern capital, further widening split with Jowhar-based government led by President Yusuf. International observers warned against lifting arms embargo on Somalia, following November calls from IGAD regional authority to repeal ban so as to allow Jowhar government to arm security forces. UN appealed to donors for $174 million in aid for 2006, as civil unrest, assassinations and piracy hampering humanitarian access.

IGAD regional body called on UN to lift arms embargo, saying Jowhar-based transitional government has right to arm its security forces to establish authority. Statement angered faction of dissident parliamentarians based in Mogadishu and sparked fears dispute could escalate into violence. Mogadishu group had earlier agreed to hold talks with Jowhar government on condition international observers attend. Interim PM Gedi’s convoy attacked during Mogadishu visit 7 November, killing 5. Puntland region began demobilisation program to reduce number of military personnel in order to finance development.

UN envoy met President Yusuf in attempt to end internal government tensions. UN Security Council condemned increased arms embargo violations, following monitoring team report. General insecurity continued: unidentified assailants killed Somali army colonel who helped train Yusuf’s militia; at least 30 killed in fighting over grazing land in south; local UN security officer shot dead in Lower Juba region. Somali MP Qeybdid arrested in Sweden on suspicion of war crimes. Pirates released World Food Programme (WFP) ship after 100-day siege; hijacked 4 more, including second WFP vessel; later released 2.

Tensions escalated as President Abdullahi Yusuf massed loyal militia at temporary base in Jowhar; opposition warlords in Mogadishu accused him of plotting military assault, debated whether to attack. UN’s Jowhar office temporarily occupied raising doubts president and PM could establish authority. Somaliland held parliamentary elections 29 September; authorities arrested 4 Somali militants, including al Qaeda member. Pirates who seized ship carrying UN food aid July refused to release hostages, hijacked second ship.

President Abdillahi Yusuf visited Ethiopia, prompting treason accusations by Mogadishu-based MPs claiming he sought military assistance. UN envoy François Fall presented leaders of both factions with “agenda for dialogue” following meetings with parties early August. PM Ghedi said 29 August that national disarmament operation would begin; declared would take control of Mogadishu within 3 months.

Tension between rival factions over seat of transitional government continued. President Abdillahi Yusuf arrived Jowhar, 93km north of Mogadishu; Mogadishu- based cabinet members, MPs and warlords threatened retaliation should Yusuf establish government there. Military build-up continued on both sides. Fears also high over risk of further violence in Baydhowa. UN Security Council urged dialogue. General insecurity elsewhere: southern Somalia clan violence killed 20; World Food Programme ship seized, forcing UN to suspend aid shipments. Peace activist and Crisis Group consultant Abdulkadir Yahya Ali murdered in his Mogadishu home, 11 July.

Rift over where to establish base of new government risked derailing fragile peace and return to major factional fighting. President Abdillahi Yusuf failed to take his designated capital, Baydhowa, late May. Yemen talks between president and parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Sharif Hassan broke down end June; PM Geedi warned force would be used against ministers and MPs who obstructed government plans. Speaker Hassan currently based Mogadishu with over 100 MPs. Yusuf, encouraged to leave Kenya, arrived Jowhar 13 June. Mohamed Dheere, warlord ally of president, accused rivals of preparing to attack Jowhar with Eritrean-backed Oromo militia. Over 20 killed and 7,000 displaced by inter-clan clashes in Bur Hache and surrounding areas, south Somalia. Further clan violence Beletweyne, south-central Somalia; 30 feared dead and hundreds displaced.

Political divisions continued to deepen, threatening fragile peace: transitional government (TFG) planned relocation to Baidoa and Jowhar 31 May saying Mogadishu too dangerous, while speaker Hassan Sheriff Aden moved to capital Mogadishu with 130 MPs. 15 died in clashes in Baidoa 30 May, casting doubt on TFG plans. Mogadishu-based warlords proceeded with plans to demilitarise capital with civil society support. President Yusuf dismissed initiative; PM Ghedi called for urgent deployment of AU peacekeepers to disarm 60,000 militia. AU sought UN approval for IGAD deployment and said would only deploy when situation more secure. Various Mogadishu leaders - including security minister Mohammed Qanyare Affrah - called on Somalis to prepare for war against foreign troops. Both sides reportedly amassing weapons.