UN special envoy to Somalia appealed for more peacekeepers in Mogadishu. The Somali government is offering amnesty to fighters from the militant al-Shabab group who control south and central Somalia, including the areas worst affected by famine. On Saturday it surprised many analysts by announcing a withdrawal of its forces from Mogadishu. However some believe al-Shabab has made a tactical retreat, and think they are likely to wage guerrilla warfare in Mogadishu including carrying out more suicide bombings. Al-Shabab is affiliated to al-Qaeda and was formed to overthrow the government to establish Islamic rule in Somalia. The first UN aid for Mogadishu in five years arrived on Monday with famine relief for the 100,000 refugees in search of food. Insecurity makes it difficult for aid agencies to distribute materials.
Pray: for militant leaders to lay down weapons and return to society and for safe distribution aid. (1Tim.2:2)