In a move to curb what it deems as "terrorist propaganda," the Somali government announced on Sunday the prohibition of the popular applications "TikTok" and "Telegram," as well as an online betting site.
The Ministry of Communications and Technology stated that these platforms are being used by "terrorists" for promotional purposes.
According to an official statement, the ministry directed internet service providers to block access to the three platforms by August 24, under the threat of taking unspecified legal actions.
The ministry claimed that "terrorists" and "groups spreading vice" employ "TikTok," "Telegram," and the website 1XBET to disseminate violent images and videos and manipulate public opinion.
It further emphasized that the ban on these platforms should facilitate accelerating the war against terrorists who have shed the blood of the Somali people.
It's worth noting that since August 2022, the Somali army, in collaboration with local clan-based militias, has been conducting a military offensive with support from African Union forces and Washington against the Al-Shabaab group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
In 2011, Al-Shabaab militants were ousted from Mogadishu, but they continued to operate in rural areas, launching attacks on both security and civilian targets.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to rid the country of militias, and it is expected that he will soon announce the second phase of the military offensive against Al-Shabaab in the southern part of the country.
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