Shiite groups unite in bid to force out Sunni king

Three hardline Bahraini Shiite groups have formed a coalition aimed at toppling the Sunni monarchy and setting up a republic, raising tensions days ahead of a planned march on the royal court.

The move yesterday is likely to be seen as an escalation by the ruling al-Khalifa dynasty and raises the chances of a renewed crackdown against mainly Shiite protesters.

The new "Coalition for a Republic", made up of Al Haq, Wafa and the Freedom movement, called for peaceful change through a decentralised movement of civil disobedience and resistance. Consisting of groups much smaller than the main opposition Wefaq movement, the new coalition risks splitting the broader Shiite opposition that is demanding an elected government and a true constitutional monarchy, as well as better access to jobs.

"This tripartite coalition adopts the choice of bringing down the existing regime in Bahrain and establishing a democratic republican system," Haq leader Hassan Mushaimaa told reporters at Pearl roundabout in Manama, where protesters are camped.

"The monarchy has failed to bring down the revolution by force, and it now aims… to co-opt its legitimate demands through murky political games and… by inciting chaos."

Bahraini youth took to the streets last month. Seven people were killed in an ensuing clampdown.

The majority of Bahrainis are Shiites but the island, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, is ruled by Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, a Sunni.