Top Somalian Islam leader turns himself in

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A leader of Somalia's ousted Islamic movement seen by the United States as a potential key to preventing widespread insurgency there has surrendered to U.S. and Kenyan authorities and is under protection in Nairobi, officials said Monday.

Sheik Sharif Ahmed, who has been described by a U.S. diplomat as a moderate who could play a role in reconciling Somali factions, crossed into Kenya and was flown immediately to Nairobi, a Kenyan security official said on condition of anonymity because the operation was supposed to be secret. Ahmed was under Kenyan protection at a top hotel, a Somali official said, also asking for anonymity for the same reason.

A U.S. Embassy spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment. Ahmed apparently feared for his life in Somalia, where remnants of his Council of Islamic Courts were being hunted by Ethiopian troops and Somali government forces. More.

Other news:
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