Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched an investigation into the recent disappearance of Facebook accounts, including those of prominent individuals such as journalists, opposition figures, and even members of the government. The probe follows claims that these accounts, many of which belong to personalities critical of the current administration, were either disabled or entirely erased from the platform.
The disappearance of these accounts has raised suspicions of government involvement, with opposition groups accusing the Somali government of attempting to suppress dissenting voices. These critics believe that the disabling of these accounts is part of a broader crackdown aimed at stifling political opposition and limiting free expression in the country. This has sparked widespread concern among Somalia’s media, civil society organizations, and online activists, particularly as Facebook is one of the most widely used platforms in the country.
The Somali Information Minister, Abdirahman Yusuf, has denied the accusations that the government is directly responsible for the deletion of the accounts. In a statement, Yusuf clarified that the issue affected individuals from both sides of the political spectrum, including those within the government itself. He emphasized that the authorities were investigating the matter thoroughly and promised a transparent approach as the investigation unfolded.
“This is an issue that affects both government officials and some of the people in the opposition,” Yusuf explained. “We are taking the matter seriously and will ensure that it is handled in an open and transparent way.” He also reassured the public that the government is working closely with Facebook to understand the root causes of the issue and to ensure that the platform operates within Somalia’s regulatory framework.
The matter has gained attention not only within Somalia but also among international human rights organizations concerned with press freedom and the safety of journalists. The disappearance of Facebook accounts, especially those belonging to journalists, has added to the growing concerns about the shrinking space for free expression in Somalia. With Facebook having approximately 5 million users in Somalia, including members of the media, civil rights groups, and journalists, the platform plays a crucial role in the country’s information landscape.
Mustafa Sheikh Ali, the Director-General of the NCA, acknowledged the widespread nature of the issue, which has affected regional state presidents, journalists, and government ministers alike. He assured the public that the NCA is actively engaged in discussions with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to explore ways to enhance regulations and safeguards to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“We are fully aware of the issue. It’s becoming widespread and has impacted regional state presidents, journalists, and ministers. We are in talks with Meta on how to enhance regulations on the matter to prevent misuse,” Mustafa Sheikh said.
The NCA’s efforts to address the issue extend beyond immediate concerns about account deletions. The authority has called for enhanced safeguards within Facebook’s reporting mechanisms to prevent the platform from being misused for political targeting. The NCA emphasized that it will use all available regulatory tools to protect Somalia’s national interests and maintain public trust in the digital space.
Meanwhile, opposition groups have continued to call for greater accountability and transparency, accusing the government of deliberately targeting political opponents, especially in federal member states such as Puntland. These groups fear that such actions could erode the public’s faith in social media as a platform for free speech and open debate, particularly in a country where media freedoms are already under significant strain.
As the investigation continues, the Somali government has pledged to address the issue in a manner that respects the country’s constitutional right to free expression, while balancing the need for responsible use of digital platforms. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the future of social media regulation in Somalia and the broader East African region.
