Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali police have detained four TikTok content creators accused of mocking President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a viral dance video that reworked his 2022 campaign anthem with altered, derogatory lyrics.
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the group will face formal charges, describing their actions as a “criminal offense” under laws against insulting national leaders. The controversial clip, though swiftly removed from the platform, continues to circulate widely on other social media channels.
This is the first time in Somalia that criticism of a sitting president has resulted in the arrest of online creators, raising sharp debate over the country’s fragile balance between freedom of expression and respect for public office.
Civil rights advocates argue that the detentions highlight growing state intolerance toward dissenting voices, particularly among youth who increasingly rely on TikTok and other platforms to express political opinions. Government supporters, however, say the arrests are necessary to uphold public order and protect the dignity of national institutions.
The four detainees remain in custody in Mogadishu, with their case expected to be referred to court later this week. Meanwhile, legal experts warn the precedent could have lasting effects on how far Somalis can push the boundaries of political commentary online.
Somalia, where social media use has surged in recent years, has no comprehensive law regulating digital expression, leaving courts to interpret existing statutes in disputes involving online speech. The case is now seen as a potential test of whether authorities will prioritize security and respect for leadership, or lean toward expanding civil liberties in the digital age.