In the heart of Mogadishu, the pulsating capital of Somalia, a gathering unfolded under the warm embrace of a communal iftar in the Hodan district. Here, the scent of traditional dishes mingled with the profound sense of community and reflection that Ramadan inspires. As the sun gracefully settled beyond the horizon, an important discourse began, led by none other than Benadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Mumin.
In a voice that resonated both authority and sincerity, Commissioner Mumin addressed an issue as volatile as the spices in the fragrant air. He urged young people to use social media responsibly, emphasizing how their online actions could either fortify the city’s blossoming stability or dangerously unravel it.
“I say to young people posting on social media—do not become part of the Khawarij,” Mumin implored. “If you spread their propaganda, you are aiding them. A person in Mogadishu who is peacefully breaking their fast at a hotel should not be disturbing the peace of others. Anyone who does so will face the consequences—we will detain them.” His words, though stern, seemed less a threat and more a plea for communal responsibility.
This is not merely a story about law enforcement cloaked in the usual rhetoric of duty. It’s about the nuanced balance between freedom and responsibility in the digital world. Perhaps you have pondered these questions yourself: In a place like Mogadishu, where every step towards peace is treasured, how do young people wield the immense power of social media? Do they become beacons of truth or inadvertent harbingers of chaos?
The commissioner’s narrative was clear. “The person who funds the Khawarij and the one who spreads their messages are equally guilty. We will not tolerate social media posts that embolden terrorists. Mogadishu is more secure than ever, and we will not allow anyone to disrupt this stability,” he stated with conviction.
His remarks arrive on the heels of a more significant push by Somali authorities to address the myriad challenges surrounding national security. Perhaps you’ve heard the recent whispers of journalist Ali Adan Mumin’s arrest and subsequent release, a poignant reminder of the fragile dance between authority and personal freedom. Mumin was charged on counts of endangering national security and defaming government officials. His story, albeit unique, is emblematic of a larger narrative challenging nations worldwide.
This narrative isn’t confined to the personal tales or triumphs of individuals. On the same day of Commissioner Mumin’s speech, the Somali Cabinet endorsed his sentiments. It issued a stern warning against the misuse and falsification of information online. With a pointed emphasis on accountability, the government declared that anyone permitting their personal spaces—be it homes, businesses, or even vehicles— to be used for criminal activities threatening national security would face legal repercussions.
During this time of contemplation and breaking of fast, the gravity of these conversations weighed heavily upon the city. Yet, from it emerges a crucial takeaway—one that echoes beyond the shores of Somalia. The responsible use of social media transcends geographical boundaries. It is a lesson in stewardship, one that asks each of us: How do we ensure our digital footprints lead to peace rather than peril?
This is a dialogue we may consider while scrolling through our feeds. As we witness stories of distant lands and their struggles, do we pause to reflect on our role in this global tapestry? Commissioner Mumin’s words invite us all to share in the responsibility of building a more secure and harmonious world, one where our digital presence is as conscientious as our physical one.
As you digest this narrative, perhaps you’ll find resonance in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” In this silence, let each of us find the courage to speak thoughtfully, navigate wisely and act justly.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
