SA used by the Islamic State to move its funds to its affiliates in Africa

The Islamic State in Iraq and Levante is allegedly moving its funds through South Africa to its African affiliates, according to a United Nations Security Council report.

The document, which was published this week said, Ugandans and Kenyans generate wealth in countries including South Africa and launder the proceeds to a rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has sworn its allegiance to the Islamic State.

The allied group which is known as Allied Democratic Forces also receives funding from Ugandan business owners, it said.

The ability of Islamic State’s leadership to maintain control on the flow of funding of its affiliates remains resilient. While the group has lost its stronghold in Iraq and Syria, where it once had control of major cities, its propaganda focus has shifted to groups that have pledged allegiance, including those in Afghanistan and Africa.

Islamic State allies have been wreaking havoc in countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

IS leadership directs its transactions involving global affiliates from its branch in Afghanistan. Funding to its African affiliates goes through the group’s office in Somalia.

“One member state highlighted the emerging importance of South Africa in facilitating transfers of funds from IS leadership to affiliates on the continent. The monitoring team is aware of several large transactions totalling more than $1 million,” the UN said.

Four ISIS affiliated members living in South Africa were sanctioned in March by the Unites States, accusing them of exploiting the country’s financial system “to facilitate funding for ISIS branches and networks across Africa.

Source: Fin24, Daily Maverick, Moneyweb, image from Daily Maverick: EPA/Ghulamullah Habibi

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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