More than 43 000 civilians have fled fierce fighting between insurgents and government forces in Mogadishu over the last 12 days, the UN said.

Authorities have identified the kidnappers of an American working for the UN refugee agency but want to avoid hasty action that may endanger him.

A Congolese family uprooted by war went to court on Friday seeking to be reunited with a Kenyan baby they say they found abandoned on the roadside.