Somalian Islamists ban English, science lessons in southern town

Nairobi/Mogadishu (Earth Times) - English and science lessons have been banned in the schools of the southern Somali town of Afmadow by the Islamist Al-Shabaab militia, according to reports by broadcaster Radio Garowe on Sunday. According to the report, teachers at the town's schools had refused to allow their students to be recruited into the militia. However, that meant that teachers at three of the schools were required to teach Arabic and Islamic studies instead.

"They said English is for heretics and their followers," said one teacher.

The al-Shabaab militia, which has taken control of a growing swath of the nearly dysfunctional nation, has previously declared discos, dances, mobile ring tones, movie theaters and sporting events as contrary to Islamic beliefs.

The group, which has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States for its ties to al-Qaeda, is working to overthrow the more moderately Islamic government of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.