MOGADISHU, Somalia – Deputy Mayor for Security and Political Affairs of the Banadir Regional Administration, Mohamed Ahmed Diiriye (Yabooh), has addressed the new challenges arising from the directive for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in homes and businesses throughout the capital city of Mogadishu.
Yabooh stated that his administration is closely monitoring the troubling trend of businesses and homeowners who have removed their surveillance cameras due to threats from Al-Shabaab, a group linked to al-Qaeda. He called such actions a serious crime, emphasizing that those who dismantle their security systems will be held accountable under the law.
“I have received alarming reports indicating that certain businesspeople and homeowners have opted to remove their CCTV cameras due to intimidation from the militant group Al-Shabaab. Such actions are completely unacceptable; these cameras serve a crucial purpose in safeguarding our neighborhoods,” he said, underlining the importance of maintaining security measures.
Yabooh added that the surveillance systems have made significant contributions to enhancing security in Mogadishu, deterring potential criminal activity, and providing valuable evidence in investigations. “The cameras are indispensable; they play a vital role in preventing crimes and facilitating the identification and apprehension of offenders,” he emphasized, highlighting their effectiveness in fostering a safer environment for all residents.
On August 31, two explosions destroyed the main market in the Tabeelaha Sheikh Ibrahim area on the outskirts of Mogadishu, which had recently installed CCTV cameras following a directive by the federal government of Somalia. The blasts, which occurred in the early morning, led to significant damage, engulfing much of the commercial district in flames. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with numerous shops and businesses destroyed by the ensuing fire.
This incident follows a pattern of attacks on the outskirts of the capital, with a similar bombing occurring days earlier in Elasha Biyah, about 15 km south of Mogadishu, where another market was targeted, resulting in substantial property loss. The attacks are believed to have been retaliatory, aimed at resisting the government’s efforts to enhance security through surveillance. However, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the explosions.
Earlier this month, two businesses in the northern suburbs of Mogadishu were blown up in IED explosions related to their installation of CCTV cameras. These attacks, which occurred in the Daynile district, have raised fresh concerns about the Somali government’s ability to protect its citizens from Al-Shabaab, which uses threats and violence to instill fear.
Recent attacks have revealed the vulnerability of supposedly safe areas to Al-Shabaab’s violence. The group’s ability to carry out bombings in Daynile, despite the presence of security forces, highlights the ongoing challenges the Somali government faces in securing the capital and protecting its citizens from terrorism.
