Insurgent Extortion: A Case Study of How Al-Shabaab Raises Fund for Their Campaign against the Government of Somalia

Purpose: The study intended to determine the different sources of finances for Al-shabaab and how they collect. Methodology: The study used interview/focus group methodology to collect the information required for the study. Findings: The study found over 12 sources that Al-shabaab engages to collect money from the public inhabiting both areas under their control and the government. These sources include: Zakat, agricultural produce, tribal collections, livestock transportation, adjudication fees, construction levy, vehicle registration tax, roadblock toll, Mogadishu port, and business protection charges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concluded that the only way government can discontinue these revenues to reach Al-shabaab is through intelligence and cooperation with the civilians in identifying the primary receivers of the fund.