Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia today convened a high-level meeting with traditional elders and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for preventing and countering money laundering and the financing of terrorist groups.
The session, chaired by Deputy Minister Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir and attended by Director General Aydrus Moallim Hassan, focused on the critical role community leaders play in disrupting financial networks that support extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Ashkir emphasized that the illegal extortion of money by terrorist groups—commonly disguised as religious obligation—is both forbidden in Islam and destructive to the people and the nation. He praised the efforts of federal institutions in curbing terror financing and called for greater grassroots cooperation to safeguard communities from exploitation.
“Relevant government agencies are doing commendable work in stopping terrorist financing,” said Deputy Minister Ashkir. “But we need traditional elders and civil society to alert and educate the public about the threat posed by these criminal practices.”
He warned citizens to avoid paying extortion money—commonly referred to as “baad”—used by terrorists to fuel violence, urging everyone to reject the misuse of religion to justify harm. He stressed that confronting extremist ideologies and dismantling their support systems is a national duty.
Community leaders and elders who spoke during the forum echoed the government’s stance, issuing a strong warning to the public not to provide any financial or material support to Al-Shabaab or similar groups. They highlighted the group’s hatred toward Somali society and called for collective resistance against its attempts to exploit religion for destructive ends.
The meeting is part of the Ministry’s ongoing national campaign to involve all sectors of society in combating violent extremism, protecting public safety, and strengthening national unity.
