Today, Somali social media lit up with alarming claims that the national e-Visa system had been hacked. Screenshots, “leaked” data, and dramatic headlines spread like wildfire — but here’s the truth: it’s all fake.
The so-called evidence isn’t from any real breach. It’s AI-generated disinformation, a digital hoax crafted to spark confusion and doubt among the public.
Everything Is Running Smoothly
When Qaran24 reached out to Mr. Abdulahi, the lead IT engineer managing the e-Visa platform, he couldn’t have been clearer:
“We’re upgrading the system to a new platform, but the current one is working perfectly. There has been no hacking, no compromise, no disruption whatsoever.”
He urged citizens to ignore the noise and rely on official sources for information — not the trolls recycling fake screenshots across social media.
Who’s Stirring the Chaos?
After digging deeper, Qaran24’s investigation uncovered that the false reports originated from a small online network based in Hargeisa, largely aligned with the “Somaliland” secessionist agenda.
This network has a pattern — every time the Somali government makes progress, they flood the internet with negative narratives. Their misinformation often echoes Al-Shabaab’s tactics, aimed at dividing Somalis and undermining national institutions.
Let’s be real — this isn’t about “leaks.” It’s about political sabotage dressed up as tech news.
Somalia’s Cyber Defenses Are Strong
Despite the digital noise, the Somali e-Visa system is secure and fully functional. No independent cybersecurity agency has found any signs of intrusion or tampering.
This whole episode is another reminder that AI-generated fake content is becoming a dangerous tool for those who want to destabilize nations — one false “screenshot” at a time.
Bottom Line
The rumors are 100% false. Somalia’s e-Visa system is safe, its data is protected, and the government continues to modernize its digital services with confidence.
Those pushing these lies? They’re not exposing the government — they’re exposing their own fear of a connected, secure Somalia that refuses to be broken by propaganda.
Stay smart. Verify before you share.
Truth spreads slower than lies — but it always wins.
