But in June,the president of Somalia's transitional federal government, Sharif Sheik Ahmed, said hundreds had arrived in the country to support al-Shabab.

VOA: standard.2009.12.23

The secretary said she and the South African president discussed a broad range of African issues from Somalia to Zimbabwe.

VOA: standard.2009.08.08

But the President of the Puntland State of Somalia, Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, appealed for foreign assistance to stable areas of the country, saying this would be the best way to prevent extremist groups from expanding areas they control: "There are limited options for dealing with extremists and terrorist threats in Somalia.

VOA: standard.2009.06.26

Aides of Somalia's embattled president, Sharif Ahmed, say there may be over 2, 000 of them.

ECONOMIST: None of Somalia��s neighbours is keen to ride to its rescue

Since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has seen clan-based warlords, Islamist militants and its neighbours all battling for control.

BBC: Somali and African Union troops enter Kismayo

"The International Monetary Fund today recognised the federal government of Somalia, headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paving the way for the resumption of relations after a 22-year interval, " the IMF said in a statement.

BBC: IMF recognises Somalia government after 22-year break