Afmadow (Sunatimes) The militias of Al-Shabaab have asked business people in Afmadow district of Lower Jubba Region to pay $450 each to help the militias buy weapons in order to protect the town from advancing government forces.

The militias demanded the money to be paid urgently. Abu Said, senior Al-Shabaab leader in Afmadow said anyone who doesn’t pay the money should bring a gun.

Some business people are reported to have already complied with the instructions and paid the money while others could not afford to pay either money or a gun.

The Al Shabaab militias have been extorting money from business people and residents living in the areas under their control.

This new wave of imposition of money has affected business movements in the area.  Some business people have started to relocate their business to Dhobley and Diif where TFG is in charge.

By Siham Mohamud