The United Nations’ World Food Programme was suspended in Somalia yesterday after government troops kidnaped its leader.

The kidnaping came just two days after the program had restarted for the first time since June.

The WFP had been given permission by Mogadishu’s mayor, Muhammad Umar Habib, to distribute food through local mosques.

Mr. Habib is close with Somalia’s prime minister, who is currently in a power struggle with the president, Abdullahi Yusuf.

Control of food aid is seen by Somalia’s leaders as crucial to winning the support of the people.
http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9914899

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