Al-Shabaab militants have introduced free Arabic lessons in Somalia as a wider strategy to impose Arabic language on the people.
The Islamic militants have have antagonised the Federal Goverment of Somalia and state governments for the last decade, with efforts to defeat them derailed due to the group's technical operations.
AMISOM forces managed to flush out the militants from Mogadishu in 2011, with Kenya Defense Forces pulling a fast one on them at Kismayo a year later.
Al-Shabaab shadow governor in Middle and Lower Juba Mohamed Abu on Friday said the group will punish or even kill those opposed to the idea.
"We have introduced a six-month free Arabic course which is compulsory for all residents. They must attend and learn the language," he said as reported by Somali's biggest Radio station Garowe.
"They have no option. Those who will oppose shall face consequences. We either kill you or punish you severely. Rules must be followed," he added.
Middle and Lower Juba regions have been under the militants for several years. The region is under Kenya Defense Forces who are stationed at Sector 6 and 2 in AMISOM arrangement.
The KDF team has struggled to defeat the militants, often losing soldiers in the process. In 2016, 200 soldiers were killed at El Adde in Gedo region.
A report by International Policy Group released in Nairobi on Friday implicated Somali's biggest telecommunication company Hormuud Telecom of funding Al-Shabaab militants.