Somalia’s capital has seen the installation of thousands of security cameras this year in a bid to monitor al Shabaab militants and curb their deadly attacks. While the cameras offer reassurance to residents, they have also sparked fear among business owners, who now face threats of retaliation from the militants.
Part of a municipal government initiative, the cameras are meant to reduce the bombings and shootings that have plagued Mogadishu during al Shabaab’s nearly two-decade-long insurgency. Officials report the CCTV system has helped track militant activity and ensure security forces are fulfilling their duties.
However, in a city where al Shabaab is deeply entrenched, the surveillance effort has also made certain businesses targets. Since the start of October, at least three people have been killed and four injured in attacks on businesses with cameras in the Daynile and Hodan districts, according to Deputy Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Diriye.
Some business owners have been ordered by militants to remove the cameras, but government officials are pushing back. “Anyone who removes the cameras will face the law,” Diriye warned, emphasizing that taking orders from terrorists would not be tolerated.
Caught between opposing forces, local shopkeepers like Farah Aden describe a new sense of fear. “We are in a dilemma, trapped between two conflicting directives,” Aden said.
Despite the risks, some residents appreciate the heightened security. Ahmed Ibrahim, a university student, said the cameras have brought a sense of safety as they reduce the risk of explosions near schools and public areas.
Yet, for others like Samira Olow, a mother and street vendor, the added fear is palpable. “There is always fear in Somalia, but now it’s tied to the security cameras,” she said, worried about being caught in the crossfire while running daily errands.
