Sunday April 28, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Defense Abdikhadir Mohamed Noor has acknowledged that senior officers of the U.S.-trained commando unit were involved in the theft of rations donated by the United States, although he did not disclose their identities.
During an interview with Universal Somali TV on Saturday, Minister Noor revealed that the diversion of rations occurred last month and that the officers implicated in the incident have been detained for five days.
He stated that the food items were purchased in local markets.
"It is disgraceful for government officials to engage in theft. Anyone found guilty will face legal proceedings and be held accountable," the minister emphasized.
A U.S. official said in a statement to Reuters that Washington takes seriously all accusations of corruption.
"We look forward to engaging with the Danab on creating the necessary safeguards and accountability measures to prevent future incidents that could affect future assistance," the official said, without directly addressing whether any U.S. support had already been suspended.
The United States agreed in 2017 to help train and equip the 3,000-strong Danab to act as a quick reaction strike force against al Shabaab. The group has been waging an insurgency against the central government since 2006.