Dahir Aweys... In central region of Galgaduud in a bid to increase the territory the Islamists hold.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Hundreds in central Somalia protested yesterday against the rise of Islamic militiamen who are trying to spread their influence to central Somalia after taking control of most of the south of the country.

The demonstrators in Galkayo, about 570 kilometres (354 miles) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu, demonstrated against Islamic militiamen who are expected to arrive in the town in coming days to set up an Islamic court.

Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, the leader of the Islamic courts group, has been in the central region of Galgaduud in a bid to increase the territory the Islamists hold.
Galkayo is the main town of the neighbouring central region of Mudug.

Central Somalia is not under the control of a particular group and has seen some inter-clan violence over the past 16 years since warlords overthrew longtime dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

"We have demonstrated that Galkayo is stable. We do not need Islamic courts here," Ali Jama, one of the demonstrators, told Associated Press by phone.

The demonstration was organised by a group of Islamic clerics who profess a moderate form of Sufi Islam that has been traditionally practised throughout Somalia. Local teachers, doctors, lawyers and the town's educated elite helped organise the protest.

Local radio stations reported that two people were wounded during the rally, but they did not explain the circumstances.

However, Iman Hassan Jirow, a senior administrator of south Mudug region, said no one was injured in the demonstration.

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