In a startling development, internal strife within Hormuud Telecom’s top leadership has taken a dangerous turn, with allegations emerging of ties to militant groups. High- ranking officials are reportedly advocating for increased “Zakawat” payments, believed to be funnelled towards extremist organizations such as Al-Shabaab and Daesh.
Opposition to these proposed payments has led to threats against dissenting senior staff, with reports of attacks on their residences and vehicles underscoring the severity of the situation. UN security council reports suggest that Hormuud Telecom has been making monthly payments exceeding $100,000 to these groups, enabling the company to maintain a monopoly on mobile communication services in areas under Al-Shabaab control.
Curiously, the absence of attacks on Hormuud branches in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas raises suspicions about the nature of the relationship between the telecom giant and the extremist groups. Those advocating for increased payments purportedly continue to operate freely under the protection of these militants, fueling concerns about complicity within Hormuud Telecom’s leadership.
The gravity of the situation is compounded by Hormuud’s troubled history. Formerly known as AL-BARAKAAT Telecommunications, the company faced international sanctions for alleged financial transactions with terrorist organizations. Both AL- BARAKAAT BANK and BARAKAAT BANK OF SOMALIA, collectively known as
“BBS,” were sanctioned by the UN Security Council, casting doubt on Hormuud’s past practices.
As authorities and industry experts delve into the unfolding crisis, the parallels to Hormuud’s historical controversies are impossible to ignore. The telecommunications giant is now at a critical crossroads, grappling not only with internal management conflicts but also with the shadows of its controversial past. The unfolding events prompt questions about Hormuud’s commitment to ethical business practices and regional stability, with repercussions that may extend beyond the company itself.
Despite attempts to seek clarification, The Breaking News (TBN) has received no response from Hormuud officials regarding these serious allegations. As the situation evolves, authorities and the public are closely monitoring the telecom company for answers to the troubling questions surrounding its internal dynamics and alleged ties to extremist organizations.
The unfolding crisis within Hormuud Telecom has raised serious concerns about the company’s internal dynamics and alleged ties to extremist organizations. The reported internal strife, threats against dissenting senior staff, and allegations of monthly payments exceeding $100,000 to groups like Al-Shabaab and Daesh have created a precarious situation.
The fact that there have been no attacks on Hormuud branches in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas, coupled with the telecom giant’s troubled history, including past sanctions as AL-BARAKAAT Telecommunications, adds a layer of complexity. The company’s historical controversies, particularly its association with organizations like AL-BARAKAAT BANK and BARAKAAT BANK OF SOMALIA, raise questions about its commitment to ethical business practices and regional stability.
As authorities and industry experts investigate, the parallels to Hormuud’s past practices become more evident. The absence of responses from Hormuud officials regarding the serious allegations adds to the urgency of obtaining clarity on the nature of the relationship between the telecom company and extremist groups.
The situation places Hormuud Telecom at a critical crossroads, with potential repercussions extending beyond the company itself. The public and authorities are closely monitoring developments to uncover the truth about Hormuud’s internal management conflicts and its alleged ties to groups with extremist ideologies.
For additional context on the historical controversies, the UN Security Council sanctioned AL-BARAKAAT BANK and BARAKAAT BANK OF SOMALIA, collectively known as “BBS,” as detailed in a 2012 UN document
