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Playing video games has become a popular pastime among young men and boys in Mogadishu, distracting them from extremist movements like al-Shabaab, which had banned the games when they controlled parts of the city.

Children and teenagers in the capital have been spending long hours playing these games, encouraged by their parents and guardians who say video game cafés are preferable to other possible destinations.

"Instead of my son being recruited by al-Shabaab or joining radical groups on the streets, I prefer he spend his spare time playing video games and sports," said Mukhtar Hassan, a father of four.

"Instead of taking advantage of our youth and turning them into human bombs and radicals, it is better for fathers to send their children to educational and cultural centres, as well as gaming and sports arenas, to play football, video games or other educational games," he told Sabahi. "We have to fight extremism with all means at our disposal."

Abdirahman Ahmed, a psychology professor in Mogadishu, said playing sports is a good way to counter extremism and protect children from extremist tendencies.

"Regardless of the pros and cons of games in general and video games in particular, it is a good means of entertainment to keep children off the streets where they may participate in violent acts," he said. "Many children who carry guns for armed groups did not have forms of entertainment or educational opportunities."

By banning video games, al-Shabaab may have been trying to steer young men towards violence so they could join their ranks, Ahmed said. If young men cannot find anything to do -- after films and football were banned -- they would have no other option but to think about joining the extremist group, he said.

No games or music under al-Shabaab

Al-Shabaab said gaming, watching films and playing football were a waste of time and distracted children from learning.

In January 2011, al-Shabaab threatened severe punishment for anyone playing video games, in addition to the confiscation of equipment used to play these games. Last August, the movement banned films and even Ramadan television series because they said the shows contain sinful scenes and ideas.

According to Mohamed Abdullahi, owner of a video games store in the Wardhigley district in central Mogadishu, it was impossible to play video games until Somali and AMISOM forces ejected al-Shabaab from the capital in August 2011.

"Al-Shabaab had banned all recreational and artistic pursuits such as sports, watching films and listening to music," he said.

"Since the group was forced to pull out of Mogadishu, life is returning to normal, as entertainment and recreational outlets for young people are spreading," he told Sabahi. "Many children and youngsters come here every day to play this game and have fun."

Abdullahi said parents and guardians bring children to gaming centres to keep them off the streets. "Families who cannot afford to buy a computer or a PlayStation send their children to us so they can fill their spare time because they see that these games preoccupy them and prevent them from going to the streets or to groups that recruit children," he said.

Ibrahim Mohammed, 16, said he spends much of his time playing video games. "I am very fond of video games and enjoy playing them and football, which is why I play every day in my spare time. It is great for children," he said.

"I come to PlayStation centres every day to play and I do not feel bored playing these games," he said. "I have even more fun playing PlayStation games with my friends. It is a good pastime for us."