Somalia’s largest telecom giant has rejected Investigation demand in regards to its employees linked with terror acts, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has said.
The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISA) reported that Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecommunications company, sought assistance on December 26, 2023, following a terrorist attack on its employees and assets.
However, NISA in a brief statement said that its subsequent investigation revealed an alarming twist – some Hormuud staffers were implicated in the plot, collaborating with the attackers. According to the intelligence agency, thwy demanded financial records related to these individuals, but Hormuud refused to disclose the information.
Hormuud, in turn, contends that NISA conducted raids on two of its branches in Mogadishu, “disrupting services and detaining staff members.”.
This drastic action was reportedly prompted by NISA’s demand for financial details of certain customers, a request that Hormuud rejected, citing legal breaches concerning customer information confidentiality.
The telecom giant reported that two of its employees were arbitrarily detained after a raid at the Tre Piano branch in Mogadishu by members of the National Intelligence Agency. @HSNQ_NISA countered, stating that the detention was due to the obstruction of an ongoing investigation into Hormuud employees suspected of “having connections with the group Al Shabaab.”
NISA asserts that Hormuud prevented the investigation into employees believed to be associated with terrorists and allegedly facilitated their escape. The Somali Government has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
The clash between Hormuud and NISA raises concerns about privacy, legal protocols, and the delicate balance between national security investigations and protecting individual rights.
The unfolding situation underscores the intricate dynamics between telecommunications companies and security agencies, with implications for both corporate and national interests.
Mustaqbal
