Somali cabinet cracks down on terrorist support networks and misinformation – Hiiraan Online

Somali cabinet cracks down on terrorist support networks and misinformation – Hiiraan Online
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Excerpt:

Somalia’s Council of Ministers, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, reaffirmed a resolution on Thursday aimed at intensifying efforts to combat misinformation and disrupt networks that provide direct or indirect support to terrorist groups. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster national security and counter extremist narratives.

The resolution outlines stringent measures targeting individuals and entities found guilty of aiding terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab. It criminalizes providing housing, logistical support, or any form of assistance to extremists, with severe legal repercussions, including asset seizures and extended prison sentences.

The Somali government has increasingly focused on tackling misinformation, which it views as a tool used by extremist groups to manipulate public perception and undermine state-led counterterrorism efforts. In January 2025, the Cabinet approved new social media regulations to curb the spread of terrorist propaganda. The decision follows previous actions, including the August 2023 ban on platforms such as TikTok and Telegram, which authorities accused of facilitating the dissemination of extremist content. Online