WFP mulls return to rebel-held Somali regions

The World Food Programme said Wednesday it was mulling a return to Somali regions controlled by the radical Shebab rebels, who last week appealed for help for thousands of drought-ravaged civilians. The Al-Qaeda-inspired insurgents expelled foreign aid groups from their fiefdoms in southern and central Somalia two years ago. "With needs so great in southern Somalia, WFP is working with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to explore every possibility to return if conditions allow and if the necessary security clearance from the United Nations is granted," it said in a statement. "WFP will also consult with donor governments to ensure that they are comfortable with the complexities and risk associated with any resumption of humanitarian operations." Around three million of Somalia's 10 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to a searing drought that has hit the Horn of Africa region. Thousands of Somalis are streaming into neighbouring Ethiopia and Kenya everyday to seek help. The Shebab banned foreign aid organisations on accusations that they were against Islam and imposed tough conditions that effectively hampered any humanitarian activity.