Traders sell charcoal in Kismayu in May 2013. The Kenya Defence Forces have been accused of colluding with Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia’s illegal multi-billion-shilling charcoal trade. [Photo: NMG]The Kenya Defense Forces on Monday rubbished a report by UN Security Council’s Somalia and Ethiopia Monitoring Group (SEMG) which alleges that its soldiers are involved in charcoal smuggling in Somalia.KDF spokesman Col David Obonyo rejected the report by the group as 'untrue' that KDF is involved in export and import of charcoal from and into Somalia. The charcoal trade generates major income for Al Shabaab terror group."The report is similar to the one the group has been making every year around the same time since 201 with a little variation in wording," Obonyo said.According to Obonyo, SEMG report does not specify sectors where the charcoal trafficking takes place and who is managing those ports saying the group did not visit those areas, reports the Star. "KDF is not in charge of the management of port operations in Kismayu. They are under the Somali Federal Government and Jumbaland State authorities. KDF is not in Somalia to do business, but to enforce Amisom’s mandate. We are in Somalia to ensure safety and security of the Somali people. Kenya has made a lot of sacrifices to liberate Somali people," Obonyo added as quoted by the Star.SEMG has deplored the continued charcoal trade through Somali ports controlled by Amisom, expressing concern that the charcoal trade still provides significant funding for the militia.The UN banned the charcoal trade in Somalia in February 2012 to deny al Shabaab revenues. This was after it emerged the charcoal trade was generating major income for the al Qaeda-linked terror group.Kenyan soldiers overpowered al Shabaab in Kismayu in September 2012 in the offensive Operation Sledge Hammer in which they dethroned the militants and seized control of the coastal town.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa