AL-SHABAB SPENT $24M ON WEAPONS ALONE IN 2021

Faith Nyasuguta 

Al-Shabab, Somalia’s militant Islamist group spent $24m (£18m) in 2021 on procuring weapons. This is according to a report by Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based research group.

Dubbed  “Al-Shabaab Weapons”, the 25-page report alleges that al-Shabab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has an annual revenue collection of about $180m.

“Out of an annual planned expenditure of approxi­mately USD 100 million, Al-Shabab’s annual planned ex­penditure on arms procurement is assessed to be USD 24 million, budgeted monthly at USD 2 million,” the report said.

The report further added that the militant group purchases weapons from local black markets, and arms suppliers contracted to buy and deliv­er weapons from abroad, with Yemen being the nation of choice.

It confirmed that Al-Shabaab has the capacity to manufacture different types of ammunition and explosives, with a certain portion of the budget allocated for that. 

It was alleged that the group acquired some of its weapons by disarming government and AMISOM forces fighting in the south and central regions of Somalia, where they are mainly based.

“At home and abroad, the group can easily buy weapons from anywhere and they also have the capacity to make explosives while the Somali government and authorities are unable to do so, due to sanctions,” the report said.

“Last year we conducted financial research to confirm that Al-Shabaab collects nearly $ 180 million annually, but we expect this year to be even higher, as the organization raises taxes.” said Samira Geed.

A 2021 United Nations report by the Panel of Experts on Somalia said that the terror group is estimated to operate around 100 checkpoints throughout the country, with one of the most profitable checkpoints being the northern part of Kismayo town.

Via the report,  the Hiraal institute also said that the insurgents control large parts of Somalia and maintain a degree of influence on the populace through a mix of persuasion, administration and coercion.

The authors recommend several measures aimed at disrupting al-Shabab’s weapons acquisition and movement, including countering arms imports from the Gulf of Aden.