Surveillance cameras put shop owners at risk in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia

Criticizing the government’s directive, Mr. Noor adds: “People who want to make a living are being drawn into a war against a powerful group that even the government is struggling to fight. Imagine how we feel as civilians.”

Diriye denies that the businesses were closed or that the owners were forced to install CCTV cameras.

However, he admits that some businessmen have fears, but says the government is doing its best to reassure them and protect them.

Diriye adds: “The city is quiet and business is smooth.”

But Asiyo Mohamed Warsame told the BBC that masked gunmen killed his 40-year-old brother, Dahir Mohamed Warsame, after security forces installed CCTV cameras at his shop in Mogadishu’s Yaqshid district in October.

“She left behind six children, the youngest of whom was only four months old,” he said.

Shopkeeper Ismael Hashi, 33, says he closed his business after receiving anonymous calls from suspected al-Shabaab operatives.

“They knew my name and more. Like they knew everything about me,” he tells the BBC.

Mr Hashi adds that the police then called him to tell him to open his shop – and when he ignored them, he was detained for several days before being released.

Mr. Hashi says he has now reopened his business.

“I still have CCTV cameras installed at the behest of the government, but I know the government cannot protect me if someone decides to take my life.”

“Every time I’m standing behind the counter and someone I don’t know walks in, I get nervous and wonder if this is the person sent to kill me,” Mr. Hashi adds.

Sidow Abdullahi Mohamed, 39, told the BBC he was arrested after failing to install a CCTV camera at his home in Wajir district.

He adds that 14 other people on his street were also arrested.

“They took us to the Wadajir district police station where they detained us for hours. Finally, we were released after someone with a state ID came and vouched for us and took us out,” says Mr. Mohammad.

He adds that he and other residents have now installed CCTV cameras, but they live in fear.

“As civilians, we are forced to buy cameras, pay to install them in our homes and be subjected to the violence of al-Shabaab. Does the government expect to win these hearts and minds?”