Peace strike closes Somali capital
MOGADISHU, 21 MAY 2003 (BBC)--Civil society activists in Somalia have gone on strike to push for an end to the 12-year civil war. The capital, Mogadishu, was paralysed by the strike which began early on Wednesday morning.School children stayed at home, hospitals closed their doors, except for emergencies, and the universities stopped lectures.

The strike followed a big meeting on Tuesday in Mogadishu where more than 14 civil society groups, including the universities, the doctor's union, the two education umbrella groups and others issued an eight-point appeal for peace, starting with the strike. MORE