Armed groups threaten Somalia, Eritrea, says United Nations panel

A United Nations panel says Somalia and Eritrea are being used by foreign armed groups that represent “a grave and increasingly urgent threat to peace and security” in the Horn of Africa and East Africa.

The 471-page report by experts monitoring UN sanctions against the two countries said Somalia’s dominant militant group Al Shabab is exerting control over southern Somalia because of its economic strength.

The Monitoring Group estimated that Al Shabab currently generates between $70 million and $100 million annually from taxation and extortion in areas it controls.

The report, circulated Thursday, said Al Shabab’s leaders have responded to domestic difficulties in Somalia by seeking ties with foreign jihadist groups and providing “a platform for like-minded groups in the region.”