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SOMALIA: FIGHTING IN MOGADISHU July 9, 2005
Two armed groups have been fighting since yesterday over ownership of water well in Madina district of Mogadishu. So far seven deaths and more wounded have been confirmed. Many Madina residents left their homes in fear and widespread looting has been reported in the area.
City elders and government officials who have been trying to secure the capital in the past few months are trying to defuse the conflict. This week's fight in Mogadishu is a blow to efforts by Mogadishu armed militia leaders government officials who vowed to secure the capital so that the federal government can move in to the city.
The newly formed government now functions out of a nearby city, Jowhar where it is illegal for ordinary citizens to carry firearms.
Somalia has been without a government since Mohamed Siad Barre was forced out in 1991.