Somalia's Intelligence Agency closes down WhatsApp groups linked to Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has closed down several WhatsApp groups in the country, arguing that they are closely linked to Al-Shabaab militants, who have been fighting to dethrone the government.

For the last 15 months, the government has been targeting social media platforms spreading Al-Shabaab propaganda, along with bank accounts believed to be affiliated with the Al-Shabab militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

According to reports, the office of Internet safety at Somalia’s national intel agency has reported shutting down nearly 20 WhatsApp group chats used by “Khawarij” members to intimidate the public, in what they considered a major milestone in the fight against the group.

The statement further confirmed putting restrictions on about 2,500 telephone numbers that were members of these WhatsApp groups and will be blocked from accessing OTT services. The effort is meant to fight the spreading of fake news, the statement added.

NISA alleged some of the group chats were used for extorting businesses, while some of the phone numbers were allegedly used to call Somali people including business people to demand extortion.

Al-Shabaab uses media; both legacy and social media to spread misinformation to their advantage, and the government has embarked on a major crackdown to fix the gaps. Last year, several Facebook and Twitter accounts were blocked after it was established that they were affiliated with Al-Shabaab.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had announced a total crackdown against the Al-Shabaab militants, and the first phase left over 3,000 militants dead. The second phase is set to target the Al-Shabaab in southern regions, particularly Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE