WINNING THE WAR OF THE BLACK SEA:

Somali warlords 'to merge forces' (BBC, 5/11/05)

The most powerful warlords in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, have agreed to set up a united force, which they say will restore security to the lawless city.

They say they will start withdrawing some of their battle wagons and gunmen from the city by the end of the week.

The BBC's Hassan Barise, just back from Mogadishu, says this is a big step forward in the peace process. [...]

Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991, when Siad Barre was ousted.

A government has been formed in neighbouring Kenya but it says Mogadishu is too dangerous for it to return to.

Our correspondent says this is the first time that the rival Mogadishu warlords, who have been bitter enemies for many years, have agreed to work together.

He says they want to show that the capital is safe enough for the government to set up there.

The new force will dismantle the roadblocks and end banditry, say the warlords, who are all ministers in the new government.