The federal government of Somalia has refuted a report by The Standard on Friday, April 17, alleging that they were sharing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) secrets with the al Shabaab.
In a statement released on Friday, April 17, Somalia termed the report as malicious, and a smear campaign targetting its government and agencies.
"The Federal Government of Somalia has noted with serious concern the spreading of false and misleading information regarding Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) published by Standard media and the Star (Kenya)," the statement reads in part.
"NISA is committed to the war against Al Shabaab and takes offence to the disparaging news that is circulating throughout social media in an attempt to demean the agency," it adds.
Somalia called for the immediate halt of the circulation and publishing of fabricated news pertaining to its security apparatus.
"We also urge members of the public to exercise good judgement and caution prior to sharing or publishing misleading, false and unverified information," the statement concluded.
The Standard had featured in their report that senior officials at NISA and the Al Shabaab had been in contact, "jointly working to defeat the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amison) operations."
The report had alleged that the officials had been in liaison on operations both in Kenya and in Somalia, targetting Kenyan soldiers who are in the frontline against the militia group.
The publication further alleged that some Somali security officers trained by KDF were leaking crucial information to the militia group, aiding in their operations.
The media outlet claimed that a senior NISA official was bankrolling the militia group, inclusive of the information on Amisom troop movements, specifically the Kenyan contingent
An official in the know informed that Kenya had launched investigations into the matter.
"There are communications between the intelligence officials and the militants directing them on where to hit and when. It is a serious issue,” the official is quoted as saying.
Kenyan officials allegedly felt betrayed by Somali officials, also a betrayal to the goodwill by neighbours.
“It should not be forgotten that Kenya is one of the countries that have helped Somalia at the height of incessant Al Shabaab attacks that threatened to completely destroy the country," the official allegedly adds.
The publication further claimed that the Somali agency had jammed up communication signals in Mandera to facilitate Al Shabaab operations in the area.
All these allegations, the Somalia government refuted.
