Barawe (Sunatimes) Al-Shabaab militia in Lower Shabelle has on Thursday shut down several feeding centers in the districts of Bulo-marer and Kuntuwarey of lower Shabelle region.

Militant leaders who visited the affected districts have allegedly ordered the closure of the desperately needed feeding centers in those districts.

Reports say the militia leaders have also demanded huge amount of money from the African Muslim Agency running the ill-fated centers for a registration.

The affected feeding centers used to feed more than a thousand drought and famine-stricken families in the area, where they used to get already cooked food three times a day.

Most of the dependent families who on Thursday availed themselves for food in these centers were reportedly sent back home with empty plates immediately after the militia closed down the centers.

Local elders accused the militia of shutting down desperately needed facilities in the region. They told Bar-kulan on condition of anonymity that the militia is frustrating efforts by humanitarian aid agencies trying to save the lives of starving locals in the region.

By Muhiima Ahmed