SOMALIA: US shutdown of Somalian Internet continues
Read more about the ongoing saga of Somalian internet access, which was largely blocked by the US government last year.
Thanks to the United States government, nearly all of Somalia remains offline.
Back in November 2001, U.S. officials shut down several companies, including al-Barakaat and the Somalia Internet Company, based on allegations that the firms were aiding the al Queda terrorist network. The Somalia Internet Company, which is a part owner of al-Barakaat, was the East African nation's only Internet service provider, and closures left most Somalians with no way with which to access the Internet. Many institutions throughout the country have had to suspend their services, including government agencies, cybercafes and even the local United Nations office.
An al-Barakaat spokesperson criticized these moves, calling the U.S. government's accusations "lies" while asking for "mercy and justice." However, despite these denials, these services still have yet to be restored.
For commentary on these developments, see Hussein Ali Soke, "Is Somalia a Safe-haven for Terrorists?" AllAfrica.com, Jan. 7, 2002
For more information, visit the Digital Freedom Network (DFN - a GILC member) website
For further background, see "US shuts down Somalia Internet," BBC News, Nov. 23, 2001
See also Ishbel Matheson, "Somalia pushed to brink of disaster," BBC News Online, Dec. 28, 2001