Somali Islamists ban UN agencies

Al-Shabab and its allies control much of southern Somalia and Mogadishu 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 accused the agencies of being enemies of Islam and Somali Muslims. 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. The UN has no permanent foreign staff in Somalia, but runs its operations from neighbouring Kenya. 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. Another official told AFP news agency that al-Shabab members had "told staff not to worry, nobody will harm them". AFP reported that offices in the town of Wajid had also been targeted. Other UN offices in both towns were not affected. A statement broadcast on local radio from al-Shabab said the three UN organisations were "working against the benefit of the Somali Muslim population and against the establishment of an Islamic state in Somalia". Al-Shabab and its allies control much of southern Somalia and swathes of the capital Mogadishu. The group is currently holding two French security advisors, who were seized by gunmen in Mogadishu last week.