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--- Begin Message ---
More on US Shutdown of Somalia's Telecommunications
Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit
source - "Marpessa Kupendua" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
originally from Sons of Afrika E-List Friday, 23 November, 2001,
13:02 GMT
US shuts down Somalia internet
Somalia's only internet company and a key telecoms company have
been forced to close because the United States suspects them of
terrorist links. The two firms, Somalia Internet Company and
al-Barakaat, both appear on a US list of organisations accused of
funnelling money to the al-Qaeda network.
Both companies have stated categorically they they are not linked
to terrorists.
The US believes the two companies also support Bin Laden
"I would say it is very depressing and if I could find any stronger
word than that I would say it" - BBC correspondent Hassan Barise
Along with denying all internet access to Somalis, the closures
have severely restricted international telephone lines and shut
down vitally needed money transfer facilities.
Correspondents say the closure of the companies will have a
devastating effect on the country, which desperately needs the
services they provide.
Desperation
The BBC's Hassan Barise in Mogadishu said more than 80% of Somalis
depend on money they receive from relatives outside the country.
Thousands of Somalis depend on al-Barakaat's services
He said all internet cafes have now shut down and international
phone lines run by two other companies are failing to cope with
the extra pressure of calls.
He also pointed out that the United Nations, local and international
aid agencies, as well as the government itself all relied heavily
on internet access, now denied. "I would say it is very depressing
and if I could find any stronger word than that I would say it,"
he said.
He added the impact would be felt even more strongly because the
cuts have come during the holy month of Ramadan.
Shutdown
On 7 November, the Bush administration released the list of 62
organisations and individuals accused of financial links with Osama
Bin Laden.
Reports say the Somali Internet Company was forced to close when
it realised that its international gateway had been cut off.
The international phone service is suffering
Al-Barakaat, Somalia's largest company with interests in
telecommunications, banking and postal services, closed its financial
businesses after its assets were frozen. Its international telephone
service was then shut down when its international gateway - run
jointly by AT&T and British Telecom - was also cut off. The company,
which has 600 shareholders, is the largest employer in Somalia.
Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Somalis depend on it to
transfer money throughout the world. Somalis living abroad use it
to send money to their relatives back home as there are no other
banking systems in Somalia since the downfall of the Siad Barre
regime in 1991. Somalia's prime minister has issued a decree
appointing a special committee to investigate al-Barakaat, as well
as all other remittance companies.
*
THERE ARE OVER 5,000 SOMALIS LIVING IN BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
All of whom were greatly effected with the move to shut down al
Barakkat in Boston's Black Community of Dorchester. They were all
afriad to speak out for being labelled a "TERRORIST." They went to
Boston City Councilor for (mostly Black) Roxbury Section of The
City and met with him at least once on this matter.
For info, please contact the office of Boston City Councilor Charles
(Chuck) Turner tel: 617-635-3510 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED],
or: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or: The Black Community Information
Center of Boston Tel: 617-445-3098 Exec. Dir. Bro. Sadiki Kambon
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
WHO'S GONNA BE NEXT YO !
If we sit back and let forces who STOLE the U.S. Government in
November 2000 steal freedom under the pretense of fighting
"Terrorists," WE ALL LOSE !
sons of afrika http://www.sonsofafrika.org
=================================================================
NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since
1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York,
NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
=================================================================
nytcov-11.25.01-19:09:48-19596
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