Authorities in Somalia warn against financing terrorism

Somalia's government Saturday sent stern warnings to businesses and individuals that pay extortion money to al-Shabab, saying the full force of the law would be brought against traders and individuals who pay the al-Qaida ally.

Presenting a unified front, Somalia's Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail and Minister of Religious Affairs Mukhtar Ali Robow joined the government's attorney general and the deputy minister of information at a joint news conference in Mogadishu, Somalia. They said, any business found to have paid or collaborated with al-Shabab in any way would "face legal action," including having their government-issued trading permits revoked.

"Do not let your wealth destroy your life because security forces are prepared to act against anyone attempting to collaborate with these groups," said minister Ismail.

He said in recent government actions — aimed at cutting off al-Shabab funding —security forces shut down financial accounts used by the militant group to receive funds.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a "total war" against the al-Qaida-linked militants shortly after being elected in May 2022.