MOGADISHU, Somalia
Somalia’s militant Islamist group al-Shabab spent $24m (£18m) in 2021 on purchasing weapons, according to a report by a Mogadishu-based research group, the Hiraal Institute.
The 25-page report
dubbed “Al-Shabaab Weapons” further alleges that al-Shabab, which is
affiliated with al-Qaeda, has an annual revenue collection of about $180m.
“Out of an annual planned
expenditure of approximately USD 100 million, Al-Shabab’s annual planned expenditure
on arms procurement is assessed to be USD 24 million, budgeted monthly at USD 2
million,” said the report.
The report further stated the militant group
purchases weapons from local black markets, and arms suppliers contracted to
buy and deliver weapons from abroad, with Yemen being the country of choice.
Al-Shabaab has the capacity to manufacture
different types of ammunition and explosives, with a certain portion of the
budget allocated for that. The group is also said to acquire some of its
weapons by disarming government and AMISOM forces fighting in the south and
central regions of the country, where they are mainly based.
“At home and abroad, the group can easily buy
weapons from anywhere and they also have the capacity to make explosives while
the Somali government and authorities are unable to do so, due to sanctions,” said
the report.
“Last year we conducted financial research to
confirm that Al-Shabaab collects nearly $ 180 million annually, but we expect
this year to be even higher, as the organization raises taxes.” said Samira
Geed.
A 2021 United Nations report by the Panel of
Experts on Somalia said that the terror group is estimated to operate around
100 checkpoints throughout the country, with one of the most profitable
checkpoints being the northern part of Kismayo town.
The Hiraal institute also says that the insurgents
control large parts of Somalia and maintain a degree of influence on the
populace through a mix of persuasion, administration and coercion.
The authors recommend several measures aimed at
disrupting al-Shabab's weapons acquisition and movement, including countering
arms imports from the Gulf of Aden.
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