Nairobi  - A driver of an aid transport for the World Food Programme was shot dead at an illegal checkpoint in Somalia, a WFP spokesman reported on Thursday from Nairobi, Kenya.

The driver was travelling in a convoy of 12 vehicles as members of a militia stopped the transport and demanded money. One of the armed militiamen fired his weapon, striking the driver, who later died from his wounds.

"We condemn this senseless killing and once again, urge all parties to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian staff and cargo across the country," said WFP Somalia Country Director Peter Goossens.

Another WFP driver was killed in similar circumstances in February in southern Somalia. Workers for other aid organizations have also be victims of attacks.

Since the beginning of 2007, Islamic militias have led a guerrilla war against troops of the transitional government and its Ethiopian allies.

Goossens stated that hunger in Somali refugee camps, especially among children, was increasing dramatically. In some regions 17 per cent of the young children were acutely malnourished, he said.

Violence broke out in the capital Mogadishu at the beginning of the week to protest the rising prices of food. Grain prices in Somalia rose 375 per cent in one year. (dpa)