SOMALIA: Islamists ban UN agencies

Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF version Somali militants accused of links to al-Qaeda have banned three United Nations agencies from operating in two southern towns they control. Members of al-Shabab also raided the offices of the UN Political Office for Somalia, the Development Programme and the Department of Safety and Security. Al-Shabab, who are fighting the UN-backed interim government, accused the agencies of being enemies of Islam. A UN official said the raids had halted vital humanitarian work in the country. The UN brokered the deal which brought President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a moderate Islamist, to power in January. Although he has promised to introduce Sharia law, al-Shabab accuses him of being a Western stooge and stages frequent attacks on government targets. Staff unharmed One unnamed UN staff member told Reuters news agency that armed militia had surrounded the compound in Baidoa and taken away three cars. Read more