Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s government held a counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering conference in Mogadishu, calling for joint efforts between the government, traders, and the public to halt funding streams to Al-Shabaab.

“Stop Funding Al-Shabaab or Risk Your Lives” – Prime Minister Barre
Opening the conference, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged traders and citizens to stop paying extortion money to Al-Shabaab, warning that compliance does not ensure safety.

“We know the fear and threats from the group. But giving them money is a crime. Your life is not guaranteed even if you pay—they will still kill you. Al-Shabaab’s funding, I believe, comes 90% from the Somali community,” Barre stated.

Government Vows to End Al-Qaeda Ideology
Minister of Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail ‘Fartaag’, said the Somali government is well-prepared to eliminate Al-Shabaab and its extremist ideology, ensuring security for citizens.

Former Al-Shabaab Leader Robow Warns Traders
Former Al-Shabaab deputy leader and current Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali ‘Abu Mansur’, condemned traders who provide funds to the militants.

“Why give zakat to militants sitting under trees, fearing drone strikes? Every sound they hear terrifies them—stop funding them,” Robow said, emphasizing that Al-Shabaab’s financial base must be dismantled.

UN Extends Sanctions Against Al-Shabaab
The conference followed the UN Security Council’s decision to renew sanctions against Al-Shabaab until February 28, 2025. The resolution, proposed by the UK and unanimously adopted, enforces:

• Maritime interdiction to stop illegal arms imports.
• A ban on coal exports funding Al-Shabaab.
• Restrictions on components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable anyone financing terrorism and urged communities to play an active role in reporting such activities.

The event signals Somalia’s intensified efforts, backed by international support, to weaken Al-Shabaab’s financial networks and enhance national security.