Police in Somalia have arrested four TikTok content creators accused of insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a viral dance video.
The clip, which has since been deleted but continues to circulate online, showed young men dancing to a remixed version of a campaign song from the president’s 2022 election bid. The lyrics were altered to include derogatory remarks directed at the Somali leader.
In a statement, police confirmed that the suspects are in custody and will face formal charges. They have not issued any public comment since their arrest.
While Somali authorities have previously detained social media influencers for spreading clan-based insults, incitement, or “immoral” content on TikTok, this is the first known case involving alleged defamation of a top political figure.
Last year, a court in Mogadishu sentenced seven TikTokers to six months in prison for allegedly provoking civil unrest and promoting immorality online.
Police spokesman Gen Abdifatah Aden said the latest arrests were necessary to protect national institutions from disrespect, warning that anyone engaging in similar acts would “face the full force of the law.”
The case has sparked renewed debate over freedom of expression and the role of social media in Somalia. While some have defended the arrested youths, others argue that mocking leaders in a fragile democracy crosses a legal and moral line.
TikTok remains hugely popular in Somalia and among the diaspora, especially among young people who use it for satire, political commentary, and business. However, the platform has repeatedly drawn government scrutiny.
In 2023, authorities considered banning TikTok altogether, citing concerns over extremism, misinformation, and erosion of social values, but shelved the plan following public outcry.
