Somalia's leader seeks UN troops

President Yusuf is waiting to return to Mogadishu

Somalia's new leader has asked the United Nations Security Council for troops to restore peace.

Abdullahi Yusuf was elected president by a transitional parliament last month but remains in Kenya because Somalia remains too dangerous.

He has not been recognised by the UN but during its special meeting in Kenya, the Security Council made an exception so he could address them.

Some Security Council members are wary of sending troops to Somalia.

The UK's ambassador to the UN Emyr Jones Parry said there must be stability in Somalia before troops could be deployed.

"There should not be confrontation, but co-operation," he said.

No army

But unless his security can be guaranteed, Mr Yusuf and the government will be unable to set up in the capital, Mogadishu, which remains divided between rival warlords.

Facts and figures about life in Somalia

At-a-glance

The warlords have pledged to back Mr Yusuf and to disarm their militias but this has not yet started.

The new president said he would not attempt to impose his will by force.

But he said: "This new government possesses no trained army, organized police or any other security personnel.

"We request the council to take the necessary steps to phase in a peace-building mission including the deployment of a stabilization force in Somalia in the most immediate future."

Some Somali factions, including Islamic groups, strongly oppose proposals for foreign troops.

Since the 1991 fall of dictator Mohammed Siad Barre, Somalia has been a battleground for numerous clan-based factions.

On Wednesday, Mr Yusuf's Nairobi residence was attacked by unknown gunmen - although he was unhurt.