Somalia targets phone firms to curb terror financing

Somalia's government has ordered private companies - including telecommunication firms and money transfer banks - to register their businesses and clients with the authorities to curb money laundering and the financing of militant Islamist groups, state-owned Somali National TV has reported.

At a news conference, Information Minister Daud Aweis also asked mobile service providers to collect personal details of their clients, including fingerprints and photographs.

The minister also warned the public against helping militants, who have been waging a brutal insurgency.

"The public are asked to avoid any steps that may aid terrorism - particularly the crimes of money laundering and financing of terrorism, which are major criminal acts," Mr Aweis said.

The minister added that licences would be revoked for any company that violates the government directives.

He said the move was aimed at cutting the revenue streams of militants and prevent terrorism-related money laundering.

On Tuesday, the spy agency warned traders against travelling to areas controlled by al-Shabab, the main militant group in Somalia.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Image via Wikimedia.