Somali Government Halts Activities Of A Foreign Research Organization

The Federal government of Somalia has banned Sahan research company to operate inside the country on Monday for national security reasons.

Statement from the Ministry of Internal Security prohibited all government and non-governmental organizations to conduct business with Sahan saying the thinktank is involved in activities that are a threat to national security, the unity of the people and the government of the federal government.

“The Ministry of Internal Security clarifies that based on investigative reports submitted by the security agencies in the country, Sahan research is banned and will no longer be allowed to conduct any business due to threats posed to the national security, stability, and unity of the country.”

TheMinistry has also strongly warned any organization that violates the ban by conducting business with the research company saying it will face the full force of the law.

“Any organization or persons that violate the prohibition will face full force according to the law.”

Sahan is a think tank research company with a primary focus on political analysis and security dynamics in the horn of Africa, East Africa, and the Middle East.

Its director Matt Bryden, contributed to an article on Washington post’s  “Somalia scrambles to prevent Alshabaab former number 2 from running for office,” published on14th December.

Mr.Bryden who is a Canadian national and retired military officer who served as coordinator for the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea in 2008 said the federal government of Somalia is trying to exercise its will against the wishes of its member states referring to the events in Baido, southwest state of Somalia.