Letter: Britain and the world should come to Somalia's aid

Sir: Those of us with a concern for Somalia watch with horror what is happening and know that no end is in sight and no prospect exists of peace being achieved by internal forces. Is it not time to consider a return, under the United Nations' auspices, of the concept of the mandate? It is clear that the Somalis have taken their own country to medieval depths of anarchy and see no way out.

In the interests of the starving children, should not the UN look to appoint - on a term of, say, 10 years - a single country with sufficient military presence and international standing to rule Somalia and try to install a rudimentary system of central government strong enough to disarm the warlords, feed its people and rebuild its base infrastructure?

Yours etc,

ROBERT FORSYTHE

Norwich, Norfolk

10 August