Thousands of security cameras have recently been installed across Mogadishu as part of a citywide initiative aimed at curbing El-sebab’s activities and boosting safety in Somalia’s capital. Authorities say the cameras have enhanced monitoring of suspected militant movements, providing both security oversight and evidence that law enforcement is actively protecting the public.
Although some residents appreciate the added security, certain business owners report increased vulnerability. Since October, three deaths and four injuries have occurred in attacks on businesses with visible cameras in the Daynile and Hodan districts, according to Deputy Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Diriye. Some business owners say they have been instructed by El-sebab to remove the cameras, leaving them stuck between security directives from the government and threats from the militants.
“We urge businesses to follow government instructions,” said Diriye, warning of legal repercussions for those who remove the cameras. “No one should comply with terrorist demands.”
While many in Mogadishu view the cameras as a deterrent to violence, business owners like Farah Aden feel caught between conflicting demands, facing potential retribution from militants for keeping the surveillance. Residents like Samira Olow, a local food vendor, worry about the risks of visiting shops that could become targets.
For university student Ahmed Ibrahim, however, the new security measures offer some comfort in Mogadishu’s volatile environment. “Now, it feels safer to attend classes,” he noted, reflecting a cautious hope for stability in the capital.