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Somali police have arrested four young content creators after a TikTok video allegedly mocking President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud went viral online. The arrests have reignited long-standing debates in the country over freedom of expression, the limits of satire, and the influence of social media platforms like TikTok.
The controversial video showed several young men dancing to a remixed version of a campaign song originally used during the president’s 2022 election campaign. In the remix, however, the lyrics were altered to include derogatory remarks directed at the president.
Authorities described the content as defamatory and confirmed that the suspects are in custody pending formal charges. The video has since been removed by its creators but continues to circulate widely on TikTok and other social platforms.
This incident is not the first time Somali influencers have faced legal consequences for online activities. In August 2024, a court in Mogadishu sentenced seven TikTokers to six months in prison for allegedly spreading “immorality” and provoking unrest.
Somali authorities have often taken a strict stance against content viewed as insulting to clans, inciting division, or undermining national institutions. However, this case is notable because it directly targets a sitting president, making it the first of its kind.
Police spokesman Gen. Abdifatah Aden stated that the video constituted a criminal offence under Somali law and warned that anyone who disrespected state institutions or national leaders online would “face the full force of the law.”
Officials argue that such online behaviour undermines governance in a nation already struggling with fragile political stability and security challenges.
The arrests have sparked debate among Somalis both at home and abroad. Supporters of the detainees argue that the video was harmless satire and falls under free expression. Others insist that mocking the head of state crosses a red line, especially in a country where political institutions remain vulnerable.
TikTok, in particular, has become a central platform for Somali youth and diaspora communities to engage in political commentary, satire, and social activism. At the same time, it is widely used for business promotion and entertainment, making it one of the most influential apps in the country.
Concerns over the platform are not new. In 2023, Somali authorities considered banning TikTok altogether, citing its role in spreading misinformation, extremist propaganda, and content deemed harmful to public morality. The proposal was dropped following public resistance, but officials have continued to warn against misuse of the platform.
The arrests highlight Somalia’s ongoing struggle to balance freedom of expression with the government’s efforts to maintain public order and respect for institutions. For now, the young men remain in custody as the courts prepare to hear their case, one that could set an important precedent for how far satire and political criticism are allowed to go in Somalia’s digital age.