Somali government warns citizens against paying Al-Shabaab taxes

The Somali government has for the first time warned businesses from paying taxes to Al-Shabaab after recent reports of the practice.

Mohamed Abukar Dualle, Somalia’s security minister and the various security chiefs gave the warning when they addressed the press on recently,, they threatened among others, to seize businesses who will pay any money to the insurgent group.
“We will hold accountable and confiscate every business center, large or small that pays tax to al Shabaab. The government will not tolerate funding the group,” the minister said.

He also ordered telecommunications companies to end any services provided to al Shabaab as well as all businesses that manage the finances of the group.
Court actions will be initiated against those who fail to comply with these orders, the security chiefs warned.
These orders follow reports last week that the Islamist group had banned the Somali Shilling in the central and southern regions under its control over alleged influx of fake notes.
Business in the central Somalia’s region of Hiiraan dropped following the ban of the 1000 Shilling banknote which is the only Somali currency in circulation.
Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government.
The group’s insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia’s western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state
Meanwhile, four Al-Shabaab militants on Monday surrendered to the Somali National Army at Gof-gudud Burey near Baidoa town, the administrative capital of Southwest State, officials said Monday.
Chief of Gof-gudud Burey, Sidow Ali told reporters that the militants had prior communications with Somali National Army’s 60 Division in the area before laying down the arms.

“Four Al-Shabaab militants including senior member who is in charge of finance in some areas near Baidoa town surrendered to Somali National Army’s 60 division on Sunday afternoon, they made contacts with the army,” Ali said.

He added their administration is committed to welcoming any member of Al-Shabaab militant who denounces terror activities.