Federal Government Warns Against Militant Exploitation of Ramadan Donations

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has cautioned citizens against efforts by the militant group Al-Shabaab to exploit charitable donations during the holy month of Ramadan.

At a joint press briefing in Mogadishu, senior officials issued a national security directive urging the public not to transfer Zakat or other contributions to individuals or networks linked to the group.

The Deputy Minister of Information said sustained security operations had disrupted the group’s financial networks, leaving it under pressure and prompting attempts to solicit funds under the guise of religious obligation.

Officials from the ministries of Justice, Internal Security, Commerce and Religious Affairs said the group “holds no religious legitimacy” and warned that providing financial support would constitute a criminal offence under federal law.

The government called on citizens, businesses and members of the diaspora to channel Zakat and Sadaqah through verified charitable organisations or directly to vulnerable families.

The directive is part of a broader campaign to dismantle extremist financing networks while protecting the integrity of religious practices during Ramadan.