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, after Suspected al-Shabab gunmen armed with pistols killed three young business people and wounded another at their business premises in the Yaqshiid district of Mogadishu on Monday..
The attack was reportedly linked to the victims’ decision to install CCTV cameras at their business centers in compliance with government directives. Al-Shabab had previously threatened violence against anyone who adhered to this order, Police and security forces arrived at the scene following the attack; however, they failed to apprehend the assailants responsible for the murders.
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.
At least 15-People have been killed and 8-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, In recent days, there has been a notable increase in attacks targeting businesses in Mogadishu, particularly those that have installed CCTV cameras as mandated by the government. Dozens of young men have been killed in connection with these surveillance measures.
