Somalis Export Charcoal Despite Government Ban

The newly formed government signed on to a UN ban

African Union peacekeepers who control one of Somalia's most strategically important ports have allowed ships carrying charcoal to leave, violating a UN Security Council ban, a presidential order and Somalia's own laws.

Local witnesses and security sources said at least three freighters and 10 dhows departed from Kismayo on Monday, most carrying charcoal, under the watch of Kenyan soldiers who are serving with the peacekeeping force AMISOM.