ICC Note: Several Kenyan university students in Somalia have decided to abandon their studies to join Islamic fighters like ISIS and Al-Shabaab. According to Security experts, the majority of these students were arrested for joining the terrorist groups and were pursuing some type of career in medicine which is considered a prestigious career for having the brightest students. Al-Shabaab which means “The Youth” or “The Youngsters” recruits their students directly to join their cause. However, there is great concern by everyone on the community for the increased number of students who have been joined the Islamic forces. Al-Shabaab militants have carried out several attacks in Kenya, Somalia and other regions where they have disturbed the peace of civilians. Additionally, several of their attacks have targeted and brutally killed Christians who already face persecution as a minority.

9/6/2016, Somalia (All Africa) – A surge in the number of students being arrested on suspicion of joining the Islamic State (Isis) has triggered alarm on the group’s recruitment efforts in the country.

The Commission of University Education says at least 44 university students have abandoned their studies to join terror groups including Isis in Libya and Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

Concern is especially growing over the number of students studying medicine who have been detained on suspicion of belonging to terror groups.

On Wednesday, the US government froze the assets of Somali resident Abduqadir Mumin, who it identified as the leader of the Islamic State in East Africa and warned its citizens against conducting any business with him.

“Mumin, a former Al-Shabaab recruiter and spokesman, pledged allegiance to Isis, along with around 20 of his followers, in October 2015. And has set up a base in Puntland, Somalia,” said the US State Department.

“Since then, Mumin has expanded his cell of Isis supporters by kidnapping young boys aged 10 to 15, indoctrinating them, and forcing them to take up militant activity,” it added.

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