The al-Qaida-linked militants who once controlled the southern port city of Kismayo are gone, but a fight for control of the city has broken out and at least 10 people have been killed in the recent violence, AP reported. Kismayo is home to a contingent of militiamen and warlords, and five clan leaders now have all declared themselves president including a leader who is backed by Kenya. At the heart of the divide in Kismayo is Kenya's desire for a friendly buffer zone near its border with Somalia, one of the main reasons Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabab militants in late 2011. Though not backed by the weak federal government in Mogadishu, Ahmed Madobe is the key power broker around Kismayo. Madobe, who enjoys the support of Kenya, is the leader of the Raskamboni brigade that fought alongside Kenyan forces who took Kismayo from al-Shabab. Madobe formed a local administration without giving much of a role to the central Somali government and was named president of the body. Adding to the chaos, four other clan leaders also have declared themselves the president of the region, though none is supported by Mogadishu. Violence between the clans has left at least 10 people dead in recent days, drawing the concern of the United Nations Security Council. -- SPA 18:42 LOCAL TIME 15:42 GMT تغريد
