Al-Shabab Islamist militants were seen parading in Baidoa

Islamist insurgents have captured most of Somalia's central city of Baidoa - one of the last strongholds of the fragile transitional government.

Officials and witnesses say Islamists have seized the parliament building in the city, some 250km (155 miles) north-west of the capital Mogadishu.

Some reports say the presidential palace is also under their control.

The MPs are currently meeting in neighbouring Djibouti, where they are due to elect a new president this week.

They have voted to expand parliament to bring some 200 moderate Islamists into parliament.

They are also expected to vote on whether to delay the presidential election, which is currently due before Wednesday.

Negotiations

Islamist insurgents from the al-Shabab group entered Baidoa from two different directions on Monday, officials say.

There were reports of heavy fighting in the city.

Eyewitnesses said the militants were later seen on the streets of Baidoa, shouting "Allahu Akbar! [God is Great!]".

Negotiations are now under way between the militants and representatives of the transitional government to try to find a peaceful settlement.

There has been widespread looting in Baidoa since the last Ethiopian troops pulled out overnight.

The Ethiopian troops withdrew after two years of battling Islamist insurgents.

Some 16,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict and a million more have been forced from their homes.

Somalia has not had an effective national government since 1991, since when various militias have been battling for control.



