By ABDULKADIR KHALIF Nation Correspondent
MOGADISHU, Sunday
Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, a senior officer in Al-Shabaab, the radical Islamist group opposing the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia has criticised the role of Turkey in Somalia.
The cleric made the hostile remarks on Saturday via the movement’s broadcasting system, al-Andalus. Sheikh Mumin stated that the humanitarian foods and medicines brought to Somalia by Turkish agencies are expired. He added that the Turkish intention was to ‘poison’ the people in this country.
“They (the Turkish organisations) brought expired foods and medicines,” said Sheikh Mumin.
“We warn the people from taking the stuffs.”
The sheikh added that Turkey was engaged in a ‘campaign to assist Somalis’ just as a mission to advance its interests.
“Its assistance is phony and driven by neocolonial intentions,” remarked Sheikh Mumin.
Turkey is one of the first countries that responded to the plea to help the needy people in Somalia that were affected by the worst drought in 60 years.
The country delivered the largest humanitarian goods in terms of foods, medicines, sheltering materials.
Following a high profile visit by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his family and close aides in August 2011, Turkish government promised not only humanitarian but also development assistance to Somalia.
Ongoing projects in Mogadishu include renovation of Aden Abdulle Airport.
via Al-Shabaab describes Turkey as neo-colonialist – Africa |nation.co.ke.