Al Shabaab accused of environmental degradation

Mogadishu January 28, 2023 (QJ) – The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia, Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, speaking about the Somali government’s war against Al-Shabaab, highlighted that the damage caused by the militants is not limited to the current generation, but also threatens future generations.

She said that over the past 15 years, Al-Shabaab has cut down millions of trees turning them into charcoal, and used the profits to fund their attacks. She also mentioned that this has turned many areas that were once farmlands into deserts.

The Minister emphasized the need for unity to defeat Al-Shabaab and protect the people and the environment.

Currently, the government and local forces are engaged in a strong battle against Al-Shabaab in various parts of the country.

Since the start of the war against Al-Shabaab, significant progress has been made, with the group being pushed out of many areas they had controlled for years.