By Andrew Harding | From BBC News

Somalia’s president has lashed out at the government of neighbouring Kenya – accusing it of a “heavy-handed” approach to regional security, and specifically criticizing Kenya’s recent decision to clamp down on money transfer companies allegedly linked to the militant group, al-Shabab.

In an interview with BBC News, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the remittance industry as “a lifeline” for millions of Somalis and for others across the region, and said “the massive closing of accounts, the closing of remittances” was counter-productive.

Following the massacre of 148 students at Kenya’s Garissa University in April, the authorities shut down 13 Somali money transfer agencies, arguing that they were channelling funds to terrorists.

Asked if Kenya was mishandling the security threat posed by al-Shabab, President Hassan Sheikh said: “I would not say [they’re doing it] the wrong way. But I would say there are better ways to do it. I would have suggested that the Kenyan government change their strategy.”

It is estimated that an astonishing $1.3bn (£840m) is sent to families in Somalia every year by relatives who fled the country during two decades of conflict, to join the diaspora.

That is roughly half of Somalia’s gross national income – and 80% of total investment – easily eclipsing all international aid to the country. The World Bank estimates that 40% of all Somalis depend on remittances for their basic needs.

Read more at BBC News