Federal Government Warns Media Outlets against Spreading Terrorist Propaganda

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia has warned media organisations, websites and social media account administrators against deliberately disseminating terrorist propaganda or content it says promotes armed violence, threatening legal action against those found to have violated the law.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said individuals and media platforms found to have knowingly facilitated terrorist activities, encouraged recruitment into terrorist groups or incited armed violence would face legal action based on available evidence and individual responsibility.

The ministry also warned against providing financial support to terrorist groups, saying anyone found to have deliberately financed terrorism would be brought before the courts in accordance with applicable laws.

The warning cited Somalia’s Media Law, counterterrorism legislation, laws addressing money laundering and terrorist financing, the Somali Penal Code and previous directives restricting the dissemination of terrorist propaganda.

The ministry’s statement also accused certain armed groups aligned with what it described as the Khawaarij of engaging in activities that threaten national security and contribute to civilian displacement. It specifically referred to militias it said were aligned with forces led by former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

The accusations come amid wider security and political tensions in Somalia, where the federal government continues to confront Al-Shabaab while dealing with disagreements involving regional authorities and armed actors.

The ministry urged media outlets and social media administrators to comply with national laws and professional journalism standards, warning against using communication platforms to facilitate criminal activity.

The statement did not identify specific media organisations or social media accounts accused of violating the law, nor did it announce any immediate arrests or prosecutions.

The warning underscores the challenges facing Somali media as authorities seek to counter terrorist propaganda while enforcing laws governing freedom of expression and the publication of security-related information.