Internet services restored in southern Somalia after 4 days

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Internet service has been fully restored in southern and central regions of Somalia after four days shutdown that cost the country's fledgling economy tens of millions of dollars.

Somalia’s main internet services provider, Hormud Telecom based in Mogadishu said on Tuesday that the problem was fixed and apologized to all customers impacted. 

The outage, according to the firm's statement came after the submarine fiber optic cables suffered a major disruption due to the rough Indian ocean sea waves. 

The blackout had a huge impact on Somali businesses, especially the internet cafes that provide online access to many Somalis. Hospitals, government offices, and other types of companies were hit hard as well. 

It also affected the money transfer companies that are a lifeline for millions of Somalis who get support from family members in the diaspora.

Thousands of residents posted comments of celebration and relief on their social media sites Monday. Many posted their photos taken after the service was back.

“The internet return is the return of my business profit, thanks to Allah,” restaurant owner in the Somali capital, Liban Ahmed posted on his Facebook page.

GAROWE ONLINE