Mogadishu — Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts, that seized Lower Shabelle provincial district of Baravo, 210 km south of the capital Mogadishu, has intercepted former Baravo chair Abdulahi Halane Dhuhulow from operating in his office in the district.

Dhuhulow, who spoke with Shabelle, admitted that Islamists in control of Baravo averted him from his office. "The Courts forces came to my office, ordering me to close my office and go back to my home without warning and justification", Dhuulow said.

Abdulahi Halane Dhuhulow, former Baravo administrator handed over his militias, battlewagons and control of the district to Islamic Courts on October 14.

The militias have been transferred to Islamists' central command base in Mogadishu for training and rehabilitation.

Somalia's Islamic Courts had speedily expanded their control since their first war campaign against the tribal warlords in the capital, on 18 February this year, entirely grabbing the capital city Mogadishu 5 June.

Dhuhulow said he contacted senior Islamic Courts about his office closure, indicating he is waiting for the Islamists' decision.

The UIC has formed a temporary "ruling committee" in Baravo to maintain control of the district.

Somalia's tribal warlords have been contesting control of the country for at least 15 years, tormenting the civilian population.

Somalia had no effective national government since former president Siyad Barre was toppled in 1991.