In a decisive move to combat terror financing and weaken the financial power of militant groups, Somalia’s National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) has reported significant progress in disrupting illicit financial flows fueling extremist networks across the country.
- Somalia has taken significant measures to combat the financial backing of terror groups such as Al-Shabaab.
- The government has dismantled illicit financial channels, including deactivation of mobile numbers, freezing bank accounts, and shutting merchant accounts.
- Increased cooperation with private sectors and public awareness have played a crucial role in curbing illegal financial flows.
Chaired by Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, the high-level meeting held in Mogadishu brought together key government stakeholders in Somalia, including officials from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Security, Commerce, Communications, and representatives of NISA, the Financial Reporting Center, and the National Communications Authority.
According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the committee disclosed that between January and June 2025, the Federal Government implemented an aggressive national strategy aimed at crippling the financial operations of Al-Shabaab, identified in the statement as Khawaarij, who have long preyed on civilians and businesses through extortion and illegal taxation.
The government’s campaign led to the deactivation of 575 mobile numbers allegedly used by operatives to threaten, intimidate, and extort citizens.
In addition, 21 bank accounts tied to terror financing were frozen, while 88 merchant accounts believed to be used for laundering or collecting illegal funds were shut down.
Authorities also confirmed the arrest and prosecution of several individuals responsible for collecting extortion money on behalf of militant groups.
High-ranking members of these financial networks were reportedly identified and neutralized, striking a blow to the core of the group’s financial infrastructure. Furthermore, illegal checkpoints and safehouses used as money collection and storage hubs were dismantled during the period.
Public cooperation and legal warning fuel momentum
The committee credited the progress to increased cooperation with private sector actors and a growing wave of public resistance to extortion, boosted by awareness campaigns that have encouraged citizens to report terror-related financial activity.
Backed by strong legal and institutional frameworks, the operation hinges on a comprehensive strategy encompassing detection, investigation, asset freezing, and the prosecution of anyone found supporting terrorism through financial means.
The government also issued a stern warning: any individual, business, or organization, whether knowingly or unknowingly, found contributing to, facilitating, or collecting funds for terrorist purposes will face severe legal consequences.
Reaffirming its constitutional mandate to protect its citizens, the Somali government pledged its continued commitment to eliminating terrorism financing and upholding the rule of law across all sectors of the country.
Fathia Olasupo
