Al-Shabaab joins illicit sugar trade

Somalia-based terror group Al-Shabaab has infiltrated illicit sugar smuggling gangs in north-eastern Kenya to raise cash to fund its activities.

The group’s fortunes began falling after it lost the port of Kismayu to Kenya Defence Forces in September 2012.

A persistent sugar shortage in Kenya caused by low production, coupled with corrupt officials willing to look the other way have provided the perfect conditions for Al-Shabaab to join the illicit trade.

Authorities say border towns and villages like Kulan, Abdi-Sugow, Damajale and Galmagalla in Garissa County that have been targets of recent attacks also happen to be notorious smuggling routes.

Security agencies have pointed a finger at Al-Shabaab for the attacks.

A 2012 report by the Kenya Sugar Board says Kenyans consume 800,000 tonnes annually but the country produces 500,000 tonnes, with the shortfall supposed to be augmented with imports from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) region.

However, smuggled sugar from non-Comesa countries enters Somalia through Kismayu, Mogadishu and Bosaso ports and is transported to Kenya where the smuggling kingpins have warehouses in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera towns.

Garissa County head of CID Musa Yego admitted that smuggling is a big problem in the northeastern counties because of the porous border.

“Security officers are often engaged in cat-and-mouse games with smugglers.

POROUS BORDER

But we are unable to do much because of the porous border. Smugglers keep inventing new ways to sneak in goods.

We are alive to the fact that they would like to divert the attention of the security forces,” he said.

Garissa County Commissioner Rashid Khator admitted Al-Shabaab could be carrying out attacks to distract the security forces.

Mr Khator said Kenyan traders who could be working in cahoots with Al-Shabaab were being investigated.

Mandera County Commissioner Michael Tialal also gave credence to the theory that the attacks were stage-managed because no one is claiming responsibility.

“Al-Shabaab is always quick to take responsibility for the attacks it carries out, no matter how small. But you find the group does not acknowledge responsibility in even some of the big attacks,” he said.

UNSCRUPULOUS TRADERS

Wajir County police boss David Kirui suspects some security agents are colluding with unscrupulous traders to deny the government revenue from imports and aid in the proliferation of illegal firearms.

In May, Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo sent home three officers after 147 bags of smuggled sugar disappeared from a police station in Wajir.

Dadaab camp official Bernard ole Kipury said Somali refugees were also involved in smuggling.

“The refugees have connections with people in Somalia who help facilitate buying and shipping of the goods while their counterparts ensure smooth entry into Kenyan villages and towns by bribing officials,” he said.