Militants Provide security in Somalia

Somalia-based Islamist militant group al-Shabab has been fighting the government for more than a decade and controls much of southern and central Somalia. Recently it has been able to extend its influence into areas controlled by the government based in Mogadishu. 

Using intimidation and violence, al-Shabab raises as much revenue as the country's authorities. The militants collect at least $15m a month, with more than half the amount coming from the capital, Mogadishu. 

Unlike the Somali government, al-Shabab is generating a major financial surplus as the amount of money it collects increases yearly, whilst its operational costs remain fairly static.

All major companies in Somalia give the jihadists money, both in the form of monthly payments and a yearly "zakat" (obligatory alms) of 2.5% of annual profits. Businesspeople in government-controlled areas complain they have to pay both the militants and the government. In areas controlled by al-Shabab, jihadist revenue collectors go directly to the businesses and demand payment.

Those who refuse are either killed, forced to shut down their businesses or flee the country. Some feel it is worth their while paying money to al-Shabab as they receive services in return. Unlike the government, the militants are able to provide a degree of security.

Given that the group has been in existence for more than a decade and continues to stage attacks in government-controlled areas, it would appear that the militants will be able to keep on getting money, no matter where they are in Somalia, for some time to come.