Al-Shabaab extends its extortion taxes on private schools and universities in Mogadishu

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Al-Shabaab extends its extortion taxes on private schools and universities in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Local security officials and affected individuals have reported that Al-Shabaab has resumed its extortion activities by collecting funds from private schools and universities in Mogadishu, generating income for the m

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The meeting was held on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Local security officials and affected individuals have reported that Al-Shabaab has resumed its extortion activities by collecting funds from private schools and universities in Mogadishu, generating income for the militant group.

Just two weeks ago, Al-Shabaab held a secret meeting with teachers and administrators from approximately a hundred educational institutions in Galka Salimow, located on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

According to two teachers who attended the meeting and requested anonymity, Al-Shabaab officials in charge of the Zakawat office were present. They ordered each institution to pay a monthly amount ranging from USD 200 to USD 300 as zakawat.

They issued threats against those who failed to comply, warning that non-payment would result in tracking and targeting by the militant group.

Some participants in the meeting reportedly urged school and university administrators to send the extortion money on a monthly basis.

Al-Shabaab has expanded its extortion activities to other cities as well, including Jowhar, Beledweyne, Baidoa, Marka, and Kismayo, where schools have also been subjected to the group’s demands for payment. Additionally, reports indicate that schools in various cities within the Galmudug region have fallen victim to Al-Shabaab’s extortion schemes.

While the Somali security agencies have yet to comment on the matter publicly, another terrorist group, ISIS, has recently begun imposing extortion demands on business community in Bosaso.

The pressure from ISIS has resulted in the closure of multiple businesses in the area. Local businessmen have revealed that at least two establishments, including a supermarket and an automobile spare parts store, have been targeted with hand grenade attacks since April of this year.