Mogadishu (Sunatimes) The minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of the Transitional Somali Government, Yusuf Maalim Amin, has accused Al-shabab militias for collecting livestock from pastoralists while claiming that they are collecting charity.

The minister said the militants were selling the animals at local markets to finance their fight against TFG and AMISOM forces in Mogadishu instead of giving it to the poor.

Amin urged Al-shabab insurgents to stop exploiting the already drought stricken livestock keepers and traders in the country.

Last week, it was reported that Al-shabab militants in Jowhar district of the Middle Shabele region have been selling animals they have collected as charity from the locals at a cheaper rate.  Livestock traders have been complaining of spoilt business by Al-shabab.

Al-shabab insurgents are fighting the TFG and AMISOM forces and their main source of revenue is the money collected from residents living in the areas under their control.

By Fadumo Farah