Al-Shabaab bans internet in its strongholds
Militants from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab on Wednesday banned citizens in the areas of Somalia they control from using the Internet.
They gave all communication companies providing web services a 15-day ultimatum to shut down their operations.
“Any company or individual that is found ignoring the call will be considered to be working with the enemy and they will be dealt with in accordance to the Sharia” or Islamic law, the statement which was posted on pro-Shabaab websites added.
The militants impose strict laws in the zones under their control and frequently arrest people on suspicion of “spying”.
The Internet is widely used in Somalia, which has been wracked by civil war for more than two decades, with the Al-Shabaab considered the biggest obstacle to peace.
Al- Shaaab once controlled most of southern and central Somalia but withdrew from fixed positions in Mogadishu two years ago.
African Union troops — including large contingents from Uganda, Kenya and Burundi — have since recaptured a series of insurgent bastions and tried to prop up Somalia’s fledgling government forces.