Somalia's leonine president, Abdullahi Yusuf, may be undermining Mr Adde's efforts by refusing to compromise with even milder Islamists.

ECONOMIST: Somalia's fighting

That is one reason why Somalia's new prime minister, Nur Adde Hussein, has been trying to woo more mainstream Islamists.

ECONOMIST: Somalia's fighting

In 2008 Adde Muse dismissed growing international accusations that he was sheltering the pirates involved in raids on ships in the Indian Ocean.

BBC: Puntland profile

Abdirahman Muhammad was elected by parliament on 8 January 2009, defeating Gen Mahmud Muse Hirsi "Adde" Muse, who had been in power since 2005.

BBC: Puntland profile

Mohamed Adde Muse agreed in November 2006 to introduce Islamic law in the territory, apparently following pressure from local Muslim and clan leaders, many of whom had threatened to revolt.

BBC: Puntland profile