A new report by United Nations Panel of Experts released on Tuesday has vindicated Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) over alleged illegal charcoal trade.
For years since KDF moved to Somalia in 2011, UN has accused the troops of abetting illegal charcoal trade despite the international ban in Somalia.
The UN linked KDF to various cases of charcoal trade and smuggling, a move which reportedly allowed Al-Shabaab to make millions as income.
But Tuesday's report says Al-Shabaab has since abandoned the illegal charcoal trade, shifting focus to other illegal income generating activities.
According to the report, the Al-Shabaab militants gave changed tactic, only resorting to illegal taxation from among the locals throughout Somalia.
Since 2018, the report says, the no illegal charcoal trade has been reported compared to previous incidents in which KDF was directly implicated.
“Were exports of Somali charcoal to cease entirely, Al-Shabaab’s ability to wage its insurgency is unlikely to be significantly affected,” the report released on Tuesday says.
“The Panel of Experts has therefore recommended that the council carry out a review of the charcoal ban, with a view to assessing its continued appropriateness.”
The report is a reprieve to KDF which has for years maintained innocence over alleged charcoal trade in cohorts with the Al-Shabaab militants.
Federal Goverment of Somalia has often accused the KDF team of encouraging Al-Shabaab activities contrary to the United Nations mission in the war torn nation.
Kenyan troops are scheduled to leave Somalia by 2021 after they have fully trained Somali National Army (SNA) to UN required standards.