We Will Protect Telecom Companies, Vows Somali Government
Mogadishu, 11 Jan 2014 (SDN) -Somali Government said it will protect telecommunication companies and insure that they are to provide internet services, in response to al-Shabab’s ban on Mobile Internet and Fiber technology.
Somalia’s al-Qaeda linked group banned residents in the areas they control to use mobile internet and fiber optic technology, warning the telecommunication companies to stop the service in 15 days.
The Minister of Interior and National Security of Somalia, Abdikarim Hussein Guled has condemned the militant’s announcement, calling on telecommunications groups to resist any coercion.
“The Somali Government strongly condemns such acts which show continued brutality and terrorist tactics of intimidation by trying to ban Somalis from using the internet,” the Minister said. “Our constitution guarantees freedom of expression and every citizen has the right to access information without fear.”.
“Al Shabaab has lost control of the major cities of Somalia and are now trying to terrorize people and stop them using the internet. Our message to them is that there can be no safe place in our country from which to launch terrorist and criminal activities. This will only strengthen our resolve to fight them [al-Shabab].” he added.
Minister Abdihakim assured telecommunication companies and citizens protection, advising them not to cooperate with terrorists.
“The Somali Government will work with all telecommunications companies and ensure that they are free to provide internet and other related communications services to our citizens. While the government provides all the necessary assistance to protect the public, we also caution them not to cooperate and work with terrorist groups or bow to threats. We have a responsibility to protect our citizens against all threats.” he stated
“Somalis, like people everywhere, use the internet for education and reaching out to the global community to get world news. We will not allow our citizens to be deprived of internet access and smartphones.”
It is believed that al-Shabab banned the Mobile Internet over fears of US air strike.
Source: Somalicurrent