Somalia: Federal Govt officials arrested over illegal charcoal trade

MOGADISHU, Somalia Nov 29, 2014 (Garowe Online) –Federal Government of Somalia has detained  officials for allegedly involving in illegal charcoal trade in Barawe coastal town of southern Somalia according to Attorney-General Ahmed Ali Dahir, Garowe Online reports.

Dahir said on BBC Somali Service on Saturday that Barawe Mayor, district police and intelligence commanders, charcoal profiteers and the owners of dhows transporting illegal charcoal exports to gulf nations are among those arrested in the anti-charcoal operation.

“Investigations are underway. Government officials including Barawe Mayor, head of intelligence, police station commander, traders and boat owners were arrested, and in line with the rule of law, they have been arraigned in court,” added Attorney-General.

Though charcoal was blacklisted as contraband by Mogadishu-based central government, UN experts said in report in early October that Somalia charcoal trade worth at slightest USD 250 million a year.

In February 2012, United Nations Security Council banned the export of charcoal from Somalia, recognizing it Al Shabaab's major source of income

GAROWE ONLINE