(09/08/23) MOGADISHU – The Al-Shabaab militant group has imposed sweeping restrictions on 35 centres operated by Hormud Communications Company in various regions of Somalia, according to reports.
Residents in areas affected by the restrictions are feeling the impact. A local shop owner in Jubaland, who wished to remain anonymous, told Halqabsi News, “We rely on Hormud for our business communications. This restriction is paralysing our operations, and we don’t know what to do next.”
Similarly, a resident from South West expressed concern for personal communication, stating, “I have family in other parts of the country, and Hormud was our main way of staying connected. Now I’m forced to find an alternative, and it’s both inconvenient and worrying.”
These restrictions have led to significant disruptions in Hormud’s operations, especially in the regions of Jubaland, South West, and parts of Galmudug. All vehicles belonging to the company that were operating in the restricted areas have been halted.
Though tensions between Hormud and Al-Shabaab have been escalating, with the group pressuring Hormud to halt salary payments to government forces, there has been no official statement confirming a complete shutdown of the company’s services.
The impact extends to broader economic and social consequences. A teacher in Galmudug lamented, “We used Hormud’s services for educational purposes. This ban affects not only communication but also our children’s education.”
The ban, in place for almost four months, has not been officially confirmed or commented on by the Somali government, Hormud company, or the al-Shabaab organisation. The silence adds to the uncertainty and leaves the population without clear information or alternatives.
