It was my birthday yesterday - and to my surprise the chef here at our accommodation had made me a cake - with candles!

Dr Laroche, who will take up his post 1 Februrary 2008, is currently UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Representative in Somalia.

Many are returning to their headquarters and posts throughout the country, saying they had no role in the violent mutiny.

Jackson wel­comed the two men into his headquarters hut, where they waited for the Windward­ - sent home the year before for supplies - to speed them home.

But since 2005 Mr Kim has overseen anti-market measures that seem also to be aimed at returning the soldiers to their garrisons.