Photo: Steven Ariong/Monitor

Burning charcoal (file photo): Charcoal is reportedly the main financial source of militia group Al Shabaab.

The Somalia government has formed a task force to deal with charcoal trade in the port of Kismayu two months after it was taken over by Amisom troops.

Amisom has denied allegations that three dhows were loaded with charcoal on Sunday before sailing out of Kismayu in violation to the UN ban.

"Amisom regrets reports that charcoal is being exported out of Somalia in violation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2036 and Somalia National law of United Nations Security Council resolution 2036 and although Amisom is not mandated to scrutinise commercial activities in Somalia, the mission is cognizant of it responsibilities in contributing to restore, security and law and order in the country. In this regard Amisom reaffirms its commitment to support to support the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to stamp out this illegal trade in charcoal," Amisom said in a statement yesterday.

There were reports that 12 dhows loaded with charcoal left Kismayu port last week for an undisclosed Arab country. Amisom said that it will fully cooperate with the task force.