Monday June 22, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — A video that spread rapidly across social media has prompted fierce condemnation from Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, after an alleged assault on a Somali girl in Mogadishu drew outrage and renewed demands for arrests.
In a statement issued Sunday, the ministry said the incident amounted to an affront to the dignity and honor of Somali citizens and urged authorities to move quickly to bring those responsible before the courts.
Family and Human Rights Development Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the act ran counter to Islamic values, Somali social norms and the basic principles of human rights and human dignity.
She added that Somali society must stand firmly against such abuse and back efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The ministry called on security agencies to arrest the suspects without delay and transfer them to the competent judicial authorities.
It also appealed to parents, families and anyone who may know the suspects to assist investigators and not provide them with shelter.
The Office of the Attorney General said it had launched an investigation into a group of young men accused of abusing the girl and warned that anyone found to have taken part would face strict legal action.
The attorney general’s office said the case centers on acts allegedly committed in Mogadishu that offended public morality and Somali social values.
It urged members of the public to submit any information that could help identify those involved and speed up justice.
The Banadir Regional Police Command separately said officers in the capital were carrying out an intensive search for the suspects accused of assaulting the girl.
Police said the individuals appeared in social media footage engaging in conduct that violates Islamic morality and Somali social values, and said formal investigations and follow-up operations are under way to arrest those responsible.
According to reports, the incident took place during a public welcome event for a YouTuber in Mogadishu, where the girl was encircled by several young men and allegedly assaulted while others recorded the scene. The footage was later posted online, setting off a wave of anger across Somali social media.
Authorities again called on the public to work closely with security agencies and share any information that could help locate the suspects.
Police also reminded residents that public receptions or gatherings for YouTubers, TikTokers and other social media personalities must comply with legal, security and public order requirements.
