US efforts to bolster Somali security forces since 2010, sending about $500 million in security assistance and training Somali soldiers, have also had limited effect curbing the group. "They are providing drones to basically deter Al Shabab and aid the Somali government, and they're providing intelligence. They see the war on Al Shabab as crucial to succeed." Experts say high levels of corruption and political factionalism have stymied international security and development efforts to stabilise the country. Mr Burns's trip comes as tensions rise between Somalia, Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed independent region of Somaliland.

Source: Ethiopian News January 18, 2024 14:52 UTC