A member of Somalia's new parliament has declared his opposition to the transitional government and left the capital, Mogadishu, escorted by a heavily armed convoy.

Mohamed Omar Habeb, who's known as Mohamed Dhereh, arrived in Jowhar town, ninety kilometres north of the capital, after several gunbattles along the route.

In a telephone interview with the BBC, Mohamed Dhereh said he was now opposed to the transitional government because it had failed to work in the interests of the people.

The BBC correspondent in Mogadishu says the move could prove a serious setback for the government.

Meanwhile, talks between Somali faction leaders opposed to the interim administration are reported to be drawing to a close in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service