Somalia security cameras aim to cut al Shabaab attacks but militants fight back

24/10/2024 16:51

        Thousands of security cameras have been installed across Somalia's capital to monitor the movement of al Shabaab militants and reassure residents, but they have also made business owners fearful of reprisal attacks.
        
        Rolled out this year as part of a municipal government initiative, officials say CCTV cameras have helped authorities keep track of militant activity in Mogadishu and ensure that security forces are doing their jobs properly.
        
        The aim is to stave off the bombings and shootings that have plagued the capital in Islamist al Shabaab's nearly two decade-long fight to overthrow the government.
        
        But in a city where militants have eyes and ears everywhere, some businesses who have installed cameras have themselves come under attack.
        
        At least three people have been killed and four wounded in assaults on such businesses since the start of October.
        
        Several businessmen told Reuters that al Shabaab had ordered them to take down the cameras, but government officials have warned they could face consequences for doing so.