The head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia has been freed after six days of detention by government forces, BBC online reports Tuesday.
Idris Osman was seized in an armed raid on the UN compound in the capital, Mogadishu, allegedly as part of an investigation into unspecified crimes. Mr Osman, a 57-year-old lawyer, has worked for WFP in Somalia for the past 12 years.
Mr Osmans arrest halted the UNs food distribution to some 75.000 people displaced by recent fighting. There has been no word yet of when UN food aid will resume in the city.
The resurgence of violence in Somalia has forced out most aid agencies leaving the UN and a few others to run limited operations.
Because food aid is a key weapon in winning popular support, whoever is seen to control the aid is in a powerful position, BBC adds.
