The Supreme Islamic Council of Somalia (SICS), the Islamic movement that controls much of southern Somalia, is considering limiting food aid to help boost local production.Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, a radical cleric designated a terrorist by the United States for suspected links to Al-Qaeda, said the movement would take steps against aid agencies whose activities disrupt local production.
"We have been asked to stop aid agencies from bringing food aid into Somalia during harvest periods. We are keen on taking steps, particularly against those groups that derail local productions...we must stop whatever hinders the efforts of the Islamic communities, including their land production." Aweys said.
However, he very kindly said the move was not aimed at shutting out aid groups which have played a vital role in helping to provide for impoverished Somalis.
Call me cynical but I can see a possible scenario developing - the sort we have all seen before.
To help boost local food production, what will the SICS need? You guessed it - international aid. And where does aid money usually end up? In the hands of those who need it - or the bank accounts of those in power?
