Gunfire exchanged in downtown Makadishu

Eyewitnesses said that members of warring Somali factions exchanged fire in Makadishu near one of the crossing points between the northern and southern parts of the capital. No casualties were reported.

Conflicts started after one militia member blocked one of the crossings in the divided capital. Tensions have been high in Makadishu where certain opposition members deployed their troops along the green line between the two parts of the city to express their rejection of the plan to set up a joint administration in the capital.

The four war leaders in Makadishu had agreed a plan to unite the city. The plan also called for reopening the port and airport. Certain militia members oppose the plan.