In an effort to combat the persistent threat of al-Shabaab, Somalia’s capital has been blanketed with a network of CCTV cameras.
While authorities assert that the surveillance system is crucial for monitoring militant activity and safeguarding the public, it has instilled fear in the hearts of many business owners.
Launched earlier this year, the initiative has seen thousands of cameras installed across Mogadishu. Officials maintain that the cameras have already proven instrumental in thwarting planned attacks and tracking the movements of al-Shabaab operatives. However, this heightened security has come at a price.
Al-Shabaab, which has waged a violent insurgency against the Somali government for almost two decades, has reacted swiftly to the new security measures. Businesses report receiving direct threats from the militants, demanding the removal of the cameras and warning of dire consequences for non-compliance.
These threats have tragically materialised into deadly attacks in recent weeks. At least three people have been killed and several others injured in assaults targeting businesses with CCTV cameras in the Daynile and Hodan districts of the capital.
“It’s a catch-22 situation,” confided a shopkeeper in Daynile, who wished to remain anonymous. “The government insists we must have the cameras, but al-Shabaab says we’ll be targeted if we do. We’re caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Despite the risks, city officials have issued stark warnings to businesses, emphasising that removing the cameras will result in prosecution. “Anyone who removes the cameras will face the full force of the law,” declared a deputy mayor, stressing that bowing to al-Shabaab’s demands is not an option.
The increased surveillance has also polarised public opinion. Some residents welcome the cameras, believing they provide a greater sense of security. However, others fear that the heightened security measures will only escalate the violence and place ordinary citizens at increased risk.
“There is always an undercurrent of fear in Somalia,” said Samira Olow, a mother of six. “Now, the fear in Mogadishu stems from the security cameras. We worry about being caught in the crossfire if militants attack a shop we happen to be in.”
As Mogadishu grapples with this complex security challenge, the question remains whether the advantages of increased surveillance outweigh the risks for businesses and residents caught in the crossfire.
