Troublemakers in Somalia (continued): Al-Shabab's treasure (updated)
(BRUSSELS2) An organization as much commercial as political, the Al-Shabab? It's a bit the feeling that one can have when reading the report of the United Nations group of experts on Somalia (which I have already mentioned). The economic health of Al-Shabaab is stronger than ever “, they believe. The Islamist movement continues to consolidate its control over multiple sources of revenue: export taxes and extortion, trade and smuggling, support from the diaspora, foreign assistance. But " at the same time, Al-Shabaab has evolved from an armed faction to a consortium of business interests in and around Somalia (which) resort to cartel-type business practices. There are also some indications that Al-Shabaab trading networks may also be used as a camouflage for charitable contributions from sympathizers in the Gulf States. »
A budget of nearly $100 million per year
All of this together provides Al-Shabaab between $70 and $100 million a year. Enough to support military operations and arms purchases. Especially since the Al-Shabaab tax system “is more sophisticated and broad than any authority in Somalia, including those in Puntland and Somaliland ". It thus covers all areas of telecommunications to money transfer agencies through stores, agriculture and livestock. Even the traffic of quat - on which he turns a blind eye - does not escape him. Thus, the revenue generated by this traffic at K500.000 airport in West Mogadishu, then held by the Islamists, is estimated at $50.
Islamists more competitive than the TFG
The capture of the port of Kismayo in October 2009 was a key point in the financial base of the Shabaab. It provides them with half of their income, between $35 and $50 million, of which at least $15 million comes from coal (export) and sugar (import). This port not only serves the areas controlled by the Islamists, but all of Somalia. Quite simply because the taxes there are lower than those practiced in Mogadishu for example. The whole is completed by mobile military checkpoints which provide additional perception along the roads. However, for an importer, it is easier to go through Kismayo to go to Mogadishu than to serve this port directly. The report gives an example, hard and stumbling: a mid-range vehicle delivered to Mogadishu costs the importer $1300 in taxes. Going through Kismayo, he will have to pay about $200 to which must be added another $200 for the conveyance.
...and very pragmatic
The Islamist port also benefits from its proximity to Kenya. " A very timely 'commercial pax', full of mutual benefits” thus reigns between Kenyan businessmen and traffickers and the Islamists to take advantage of the 682 km of porous border which separates Kenya from Somalia and makes it a smuggling paradise.
Diaspora aid
More worrying is the involvement of the diaspora. There is evidence and legal proceedings initiated in several European countries (Sweden, UK, Norway) and the US involving residents accused of being involved in material and financial support with Al-Shabaab.
A very present threat throughout East Africa
Al-Shabaab presents a "growing regional and international threat". He staged the attacks in Kampala in two nightclubs in July 2010 which killed 79 people. He maintains indigenous networks in Kenya engaged in mobilization, resources, radicalization and recruitment on his behalf. He would have planned - according to the Ethiopian government - 10 targets in Addis Ababa (information which could not be confirmed by the UN experts). The current trend - writes the report - shows that " not only does Al-Shabab have the will and the capacity to carry out attacks, but is giving rise to a new generation of jihadist groups in East Africa which represents a new challenge for security in the region and for the international community, wider ". UN experts have learned of networks in Kenya linked to Al-Shabaab that not only recruit or fundraise for the organization but also conduct training and referrals in Kenya. An influence that is no longer limited solely to the Somali community. The report thus takes the example of the Gaman Hotel in Eastleigh (Nairobi) which has become a hub for the organization in human trafficking, papers and has housed wounded combatants. Moreover, " Al-Shabaab has thus established functional links with other jihadist groups in North, West and Southern Africa. ».
(maj) § on threats added on September 13.Read also:
