Somalia: Al-Shabaab's tax revenue increases - UN report
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 16-02-2023, 08:04AM
MOGADISHU - Somalia-based Al-Qaeda affiliate the Al-Shabaab may have increased their revenue bases despite spirited campaigns that are targeting their sources of finances, a new UN report suggests, in what could give President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud headache as he goes guns blazing against the militants.
The report, which was made public on Wednesday, noted that the notorious group can raise up to $150 million annually to run the expensive budget which caters for payment of salaries, purchasing of new weapons and other essentials which are fundamental in the group's operations.
According to the UN, the group's fortunes doubled from $100 for the previous year and had to increase the military hardware purchase by 25 percent. Previously, the group diverted $24 million for the purchase of weapons mainly from the war-torn Yemen, which has been linked to instability in the country.
Traditionally, Al-Shabaab collects revenues from civilians in various towns under her control mainly through threats and intimidations with those who fail to comply getting subjected to punishments. The government has warned business owners against funding Al-Shabaab whether through forceful means or willingly, with offenders risking having their permits cancelled.
In December 2022, the government of Somalia did confirm closure of 250 bank accounts and 70 mobile money transfer firms linked to funding of Al-Shabaab activities. The group responded recently by accusing Mogadishu of "frequent interference of businesses which are critical in service delivery" in reference to their revenue bases.
This week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration also limited the money which can be transacted by mobile money firms to just $300 a day, as a measure to contain the money wired to Al-Shabaab. This, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, would improve accountability.
The Al-Shabaab's fighting force, UN report added, remains steady at an estimate 7,000-12,000 fighters. The group has recruited fighters from Somalia and some from the neighboring countries who are responsible for cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians, government officials and military teams.
Lately, the report further states, the Al-Qaida linked group suffered som losses in the face of a "strong military campaign" in Somalia. The country with assistance from the US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and local militia have ganged up against the group in all fronts.
But the report says alShabaab responded with some of its largest scale and lethal attacks. The group targeted several hotels in Mogadishu with the latest attack targeting Mogadishu Mayor's office where a Kenyan Al-Shabaab fighter is said to have led the operation according to the government of Somalia.
"Al-Shabaab has killed over 500 civilians, gvt officials, soldiers, law enforcement officers and international peacekeepers in the past 6 months," reads the report. "Member States assess that the group continue to extend its territorial advances both domestically and in neighboring States, noting multiple cross-border incursions into Ethiopia. "
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated recently that Al-Shabaab will not survive this year with sustained operations while informing the country that most parts of HirShabelle and Galmadug have been liberated from tht notorious group by the gallant soldiers who have " sacrificed" for the country.
Somalia has also dispatched soldiers for further training in Eritrea and Uganda where they are set to attain more skills for proper management of the national force. Already, a total of 6,000 soldiers have left the country while another batch is expected to travel to Ethiopia and Egypt for similar training.
GAROWE ONLINE
