Reports from Mogadishu say two French yachtsmen sailing around the Horn of Africa have been seized by Somali militiamen.

Clan elders are said to be trying to negotiate their release.

They are apparently being held by members of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front in the north-eastern town of Bossaso, who accuse them of endangering local fishermen.

Somali militiamen using high-speed power boats are known to hijack ships which they hold for ransom.