Official: UN plans to move operations to Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya – The U.N. envoy to Somalia says the United Nations must establish a proper base inside the country in order to help it overcome almost 20 years of conflict, hunger and disease.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah says the U.N. plans to move its Somalia operation from neighboring Kenya, where it is now based. But he didn't say when.

He said Tuesday that given the widespread violence in Somalia, the move could involve creating a fortified, walled-off area like the Green Zone in Baghdad used by U.S.-led forces.

The U.N. now keeps its international Somalia staff members in Kenya to shield them from the risk of attacks and kidnappings. In 2008, at least 13 aid workers were killed in Somalia, which has not had an effective government since 1991.