The new report by the UN Panel of Experts (PoE) is being circulated. The report covers the period between December 2020 and September 2021, PoE says Al-Shabaab remains the greatest threat to the peace, security and stability of Somalia..
The Al-Shabab generates enough revenue to sustain its insurgency for the foreseeable future. PoE estimates that Al-Shabaab operates around 100 checkpoints throughout the country.
Charcoal exports on hold, but Shabaab is exploiting impact of climate change by providing communities w/ protection from flooding, acting as a service provider to communities that receive little support from Govt; this may lead to new challenges on how to address insecurity, PoE.
Army Embargo:-
PoE says it has identified a 60mm mortar round, w/ characteristics consistent with 60mm M73 HE manufactured in 2016 in Serbia and exported the same year to Saudi Arabia. The same type of mortar round was fired by Shabaab on 17 Feb 2020 im the direction of UN compound in Mogadishu.
Assault Rifles And Recruits:-
PoE to investigate ramifications on peace and security in Somalia, specifically the role of Eritrea-trained Somali recruits, the majority of whom remain in Eritrea, but some of whom have returned to Somalia [news to me that some returned] to provide unspecified security functions
PoE: An M4 assault rifle has been identified; to the knowledge of the Panel, this represents the first time an M4 rifle (5.56 × 45mm) has been seen in the hands of Al-Shabaab. The Panel also identified military equipment previously delivered to the Federal Government of Somalia.
