Somali Government Faces Disinformation Threat from Social Media and Media Sabotage

The Somali government has faced growing challenges from social media and unregulated media outlets, which lack strong editorial oversight. Since the government began recovering from the country’s collapse, it has struggled with confusion and misdirection, primarily driven by Somali media. Some of these outlets appear to serve foreign interests. In contrast, others, including certain Somali politicians, have failed to make a meaningful or positive impact on decision-making processes within the country.

One of the more recent trends is the rise of former politicians and government officials turning to social media platforms after losing their positions. These individuals, once involved in key decision-making processes, now utilize social media to voice their opinions. Some of these individuals seem to be serving foreign interests, as evidenced by the content they share, which often contains deliberate attacks on national institutions. They exploit the experience and knowledge they gained while working for the Somali government, making their criticism more damaging and targeted.

Many unsuspecting Somali citizens often believe these false narratives and place trust in these figures due to their past roles in government. A case in point is Ahmed Moalim Hassan, the Director of Civil Aviation in Somalia. With over 45 years of experience in the Somali aviation industry, Ahmed is a highly skilled professional with deep sector knowledge.

However, he has been targeted by a group of former employees of the institution, who have a twofold agenda: some are being paid to spread disinformation and tarnish the reputation of the Somali government, while others seek to replace him in his position without following the proper channels. Instead of adhering to the correct procedures, these individuals engage in manipulation, attempting to confuse the Somali government and spread falsehoods through the media. Given their access to sensitive information about aviation, this could mislead the public into believing that Ahmed Moalim Hassan has failed in his duties, which ultimately undermines his contributions to the nation.

This situation illustrates a broader challenge: the spread of disinformation threatens to derail the Somali government’s efforts to build strong, resilient institutions. These bad actors aim to prevent the establishment of robust institutions. Once these institutions are solidified, it becomes much harder to manipulate or influence them for personal or external gains.

 The Somali government is currently battling a wave of disinformation propagated through social media and a group referred to as the “media mafia.” These forces seek to divide the government and the public by spreading false information, making it increasingly difficult for the government to maintain trust and focus on building the country’s future.