Somali security authorities have detained four TikTok content creators for allegedly insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a viral dance video.
The clip, which featured a remix of the president’s 2022 campaign song with derogatory lyrics, has been removed from official channels but continues to circulate widely across social media platforms.
Police reports indicate that the detained individuals are currently in custody and facing charges, with officials asserting that disrespecting national leaders is a criminal offense.
This incident marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first case involving the arrest of individuals for openly criticizing a senior political figure.
Last year, a court in Mogadishu sentenced seven TikTok content creators to six months in prison for inciting civil unrest and promoting immoral content.
Police stated that the behavior depicted in the recent video—although the original has been deleted—constitutes a violation of Somali law.
Police spokesman Gen. Abdifatah Aden cautioned the public that anyone participating in acts that undermine national institutions or leaders would “face the full force of the law.”
The arrests have reignited discussions about the role of social media in Somalia, particularly TikTok, which has been at the center of various controversies.
While some citizens have rallied in support of the detained young men, others have defended the arrests, arguing that freedom of expression should not permit such actions—especially in a nation grappling with fragile governance.
TikTok is a widely used platform in Somalia and among the diaspora, particularly among the youth, who utilize it for political commentary, satire, and entertainment.
Many also leverage the platform for business purposes.
In 2023, the government contemplated banning TikTok altogether, citing concerns over national security, misinformation, and the erosion of social and moral values.
Although public opposition prevented the ban from being enacted, officials warned that the platform is increasingly being exploited to disseminate harmful content, including extremist propaganda and defamatory material.
