MOGADISHU, July 15: Somalia's much-delayed peace conference got off to a rocky start on Sunday as seven mortar shells exploded near the Mogadishu venue and the meeting was adjourned to give delegates more time to arrive.

President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed was addressing the conference at the time of the explosions, the nearest of which occurred about 500 metres away, but refused to cut off his speech.

“We cannot be terrified even if anti-peace elements throw an atomic bomb. I want to assure you the time of uncertainty and the use of force to pursue power is over,” said the former warlord.

Police officer Ibrahim Dhagool said two shells exploded in Shibis district near the hall where Yusuf was speaking, causing no injuries. Five other mortars crashed into a residential area, wounding three people.—AFP