Violent demonstrations against the Islamic administration set up in the port city of Kismayu that was recently handed over to Union of Islamic Courts had taken place the town of Kismayu.

Furious rioters, marching throughout the town, were chanting anti-Islamists slogans setting tires on blaze. The riot that started in the evening lasted midnight.

Witnesses, who requested to remain anonymous, told Shabelle that sounds of gunfire could be heard, adding they had seen men with guns in the demonstrators shooting the Islamic Courts barracks in Kismayu.

Reports fropm Kismayu say the demonstration was triggered by people in the residence who were angry at the administration set up in the areas which they said was bias and under one tribe that could not represent them.

The Islamic Courts said the administration set up for the residents in Kismayu was based on residential one that, they said, could satisfy all in Kismayu.

A resident in kismayu, who requested not to be identified, as he was afraid of reprisal, phoned Shabelle saying they would keep up the protest until their clan is given satisfactory posts.

This is the third time the Islamic Courts are facing opposition over every move they make since they took control of the port city on 25 September when Jubba Valley Alliances led by Somalia's defense minister Barre Hirrale broke up.

The Union of Islamic Courts is in control of the central and southern strategic areas in Somalia.

The demonstration started 9:00 pm at nigh and ended 12:00 midnight.