Four Somali TikTok users have been arrested after posting a viral video that mocked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The clip, which quickly spread on the platform, featured the men dancing to a remixed campaign song used by the president in 2022. However, the lyrics had been altered to include offensive language aimed directly at the head of state.
Authorities confirmed that the original upload was deleted shortly after it began circulating, but copies of the video continue to spread widely on TikTok and other platforms. Police in Mogadishu said the men will face formal charges, though the specific offences and court date have not been disclosed.
Police spokesman Gen. Abdifatah Aden said the behaviour constituted a criminal offence under Somali law. He warned that anyone engaging in similar acts against state institutions or leaders would face prosecution.
This marks the first time TikTok users in Somalia have been arrested for directly targeting the president. In previous cases, arrests were linked to content accused of spreading clan-based insults or incitement. For example, in August last year, seven TikTokers were sentenced to six months in prison in Mogadishu for allegedly provoking unrest and publishing “immoral” content.
The arrests have reignited debate in Somalia about TikTok’s influence on society. Critics argue that the government’s actions are threatening freedom of expression, while supporters say stricter controls are necessary to prevent harmful content from spreading in a country still grappling with weak governance and insecurity.
TikTok remains one of the most widely used platforms in Somalia and among its diaspora, serving as both an entertainment hub and a tool for business promotion. However, its rapid growth has also raised concerns. In 2023, the Somali government considered banning the app entirely, citing worries about extremism, misinformation, and declining moral values. The proposal was dropped after a public backlash, but authorities continue to warn that TikTok is being misused to spread divisive or harmful material.
The case of the four arrested TikTokers highlights the tension between digital expression and political sensitivity in Somalia, where online platforms are increasingly shaping public debate.