Somali Media Groups Denounce Coordinated Online Assaults Targeting Facebook Profiles of Journalists, Influencers, and Government Leaders
Mogadishu, Somalia – Several organizations, including the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), have united to resolutely oppose a recent tumult of cyberattacks against Somali journalists, influencers, public officials, and other prominent figures, primarily on Facebook.
Wave of Attacks: A Timeline
Over a span from late October to mid-November 2024, more than 32 Facebook profiles belonging to media professionals, key influencers, and government representatives within Somalia and its diaspora have experienced disruption. The attackers manipulated Meta’s systems, wrongfully designating many profiles as "memorialized," implying that the account owners had died. Though some accounts have been reactivated, numerous journalist profiles remain inaccessible, sparking turmoil within the media community.
Deceptive Tactics Unveiled
An investigation into the attacks revealed sinister methods: forged death certificates used to deceive Facebook into removing or memorializing accounts against the users’ truthful status. Half of the journalists impacted have been told by Meta support that false death notifications, allegedly from relatives, were received.
Take the case of Mohamed Salh, whose Facebook status turned to a memorial on November 9, 2024. A message on his page read, “We hope those who cherish Mohamed will find solace in recalling his life.” Despite this, Mohamed continues his reporting activities via other social channels like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, though his Facebook account remains locked.
Attacks on Officials and Media
Public officials have not been spared. The Ministry of Information in Puntland noted that several Facebook profiles, linked with government leadership and ministers, were taken offline, some of which have been restored. Similar incidents plagued Mogadishu and Jubaland, targeting high-ranking officials, such as the Jubaland state president.
In another illustrative incident, the Facebook page for Sahal Cable TV, a regional broadcaster in Bosaso, Puntland, vanished on November 14, 2024, sans explanation.
Such breaches against media entities and influencers raise urgent alarms about online security and freedom of speech in a nation grappling with political tensions and upcoming elections in North Western State of Somalia.
The Impact on Free Speech
With social media, notably Facebook, acting as vital lifelines for news dissemination, public discourse, and interaction with citizens and the Somali diaspora, these attacks spread a chilling effect. Many affected individuals, some still locked out of their accounts, voice feelings of insecurity on Facebook, contemplating migration to alternative platforms.
An echo of past infractions, these incidents suggest a troubled pattern linked to Facebook’s oversight failures. Back in 2019, Facebook inexplicably ousted 16 Somali-related accounts, underscoring a history of issues threatening free expression in the region.
Investigative Demands and Future Measures
The shadowy figures orchestrating these current attacks remain elusive, but Somali independent media bodies press for a transparent and concentrated investigation, urging Meta to identify and punish the perpetrators. Not only must Meta assure user rights’ protection and bolster online safety, but establish fortified protocols against system misuse, especially concerning memorialization functions or policies like the Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) directive, prone to misuse against reporters and media outlets.
These Somali media organizations adamantly call on Meta for swift intervention to restore credibility and safety within its online ecosystems.
Endorsers
- Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS)
- Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA)
- Media Association of Puntland (MAP)
- Somali Media Association (SOMA)
By collectively voicing this call to action, these organizations emphasize the critical need for safeguarding freedoms and heightening security measures in the digital sphere.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
