20100419
press tv

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has ascribed stability in parts of Somalia to the tough rule of al-Shabab fighters who control much of the conflict-torn country's south.

However, a new report by the New York-based group adds that this stability has come at a high price for the local population.

The study cites killings, repression and harsh punishments based on extreme interpretations of Islamic Sharia law by the fighters in the lawless country which has lacked a strong central government since 1991.

“While al-Shabab has brought stability to some areas long plagued by violence, it has used unrelenting repression and brutality," AFP quoted Georgette Gagnon, HRW's Africa director as saying on Monday.

However, HWR also accuses the Western-backed transitional government of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and African Union peacekeepers of extreme violations of the rules of war, including indiscriminate killing of civilians.

"Alongside abuses in al-Shebab-controlled areas, all sides are responsible for laws-of-war violations that continue unabated in Mogadishu," said Gagnon.

The HWR official also urged the United Nations, the US and the European Union to stop turning a blind eye to violation committed by the other side, simply because they are deemed allies.

"There is no easy, obvious way to solve the crisis in Somalia...But outside powers should address abuses by all sides instead of ignoring those committed by their allies," she stressed.

The transitional government and the fighters have been fighting for control of the capital ever since the new fledgling government took power in January 2009.