Al-Shabab argued that the transfers were "unIslamic" and could allow the mobile operators' foreign partners to interfere in Somalia's economy. A report by news agency AFP mentions that observers believe the group wants to guarantee business for non-mobile money transfer systems which it can control more easily.
Mobile phone banking was first made available in northern Somalia in 2009, but quickly spread across the country.
Panos London promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in national and international development debates through media and communication projects. It is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent institutes working to ensure that information is used more effectively to foster debate, pluralism and democracy.
Go to: http://www.panos.org.uk
