Banadir PoliceCommander and histeam commended forthe capital’s security

The Somali authorities have arrested 21 social media influencers accused of spreading clan-based insults and “bad behavior” online. The individuals, both male and female, were detained by the Banadir Regional Police and had their mugshots published on the Somali Police’s social media handles. The police said these influencers were causing “disorder and discord” in the community. Most of those arrested remain in custody, awaiting court proceedings, while authorities plan to apprehend others on similar charges of “social discrimination.” The arrests were linked to a campaign dubbed “who owns Mogadishu” which has garnered a lot of attention across TikTok and YouTube and equally drew the attention of the Banadir regional government. “The Somali police assure you that they are targeting other social media users who mobilize the community and incite bad behavior,” said the spokesperson for the Banadir region police force. The police called on the public to refrain “from engaging with or sharing content that promotes clan-based rhetoric or disputes over ownership.” “Our message is clear – Mogadishu belongs to all of us, and we will not allow anyone to divide us along clan lines or exploit these issues for their own gain,” the statement added. Somali police chief Sulub Ahmed Fibrin, who held a press conference a few days after the incident, said that no one will be allowed to insult people on social media, and that the police will do their job of protecting the law and the honor of the Somali people. “There are many youths using social media negatively and insulting others. The police force is responsible for protecting the dignity of people who are insulted on social media,” said the Somali police chief. He added that they are working to ensure that every citizen has freedom and dignity in his country, and that the Somali police force will not allow anyone to undermine the rights of other citizens. “The country has laws and order. Whoever goes beyond what the law allows, we are determined to investigate them, as our duty is to protect the law. Anyone who transgresses their limits will be asked to substantiate what they said.” In 2023, the Somali Ministry of Communications and Technology attempted to ban TikTok and other on popular online platforms citing the spread of indecent videos, but the ban was not enforced. The directive was prompted by a collaborative meeting between the Ministry of Communications, the national communications agency, and companies in the communications sector. Darussalam protestors The police forces of Banadir region operating in Darussalam district of Mogadishu have on their end carried out operations on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in that district and arrested people accused of causing violence in Darussalam district. The police have arrested about 15 men and women, who are accused of organizing violent demonstrations that caused damage. A statement issued by the Banadir Regional Police Command confirmed that the arrested persons are being investigated and will be brought to justice. The statement issued by the Police Command also sent a strong warning to the people living in the capital city of Mogadishu to stay away from anything that is against security. “The people of the capital and its surroundings are informed to refrain from participating in rallies that may cause an act against security,” said the statement issued by the General Division of the Somali Police. The protests that took place in Darussalam were organized by people who were demanding that the governor of that district be chosen from their community following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially declaring Gubadlee, Darussalam, and Garasbaale as districts within the Banadir region increasing the total number of districts in the Banadir region to twenty. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recognition of the new districts is a milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance local governance and service delivery in Mogadishu and its surrounding areas. With the inclusion of Gubadlee, Darussalam, and Garasbaale, the government aims to ensure that these regions receive the necessary support to thrive and contribute to the overall development of the Banadir region.

Others arrested

On May 24, the Banadir Regional Police arrested Adawe Abdi Ali aka Adawe Jiib, a government soldier, who sent war threats through the media and that he wouldn’t accept an order that was issued by the government authorities. Two days prior to that, the Somali police force arrested Masoud Abdullahi Afrah alias Garweyne, an old man, who appeared many times in the media offending the country’s judiciary and taming several court orders as invalid and out of order. The police also arrested Liban Khalif Abtidon who participated in a protest organized by the relatives of Sayid Ali Moalim Daud who was found guilty of burning his wife to death. Liban threatened that they would execute a “coup” in Somalia. Banadir regional police chief Mahdi Omar Mumin and his team in the capital have been praised by the Somali people for their tremendous job of securing Mogadishu through this operation and others that preceded them. In October 2022, the then Somali Polce commander, General Abdi Hassan Mohamed Hijar, appointed Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin popularly known as Moalim Mahdi to the position of police commissioner in Mogadishu. His tireless efforts in improving the capital’s security have fostered a safer environment, allowing businesses to extend their hours and operate late into the night.