Abdirahman emphasized the widespread repercussions of the recent disappearances, which have left a deep impact even within government circles. “This isn’t just an issue for officials—opposition folks are feeling the heat too,” he remarked. In the midst of probing deeper into these incidents, he assured transparency would be the order of the day.
Now, diving into the unexpected drama on social media: a slew of Facebook accounts belonging to prominent figures, like journalists, have mysteriously gone silent—vanished into the digital ether. Opposition factions are crying foul play, pointing fingers at the government’s efforts to stifle dissent. Some regional states, like Northeastern State, have openly criticized these actions, alleging a deliberate campaign against political adversaries.
Over at the helm of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Director General Mustafa Sheikh is acutely tuned in. “We’re fully aware of the situation,” he acknowledged. “The ramifications are rippling through, touching everyone from state bigwigs to the press.” To tackle this mess, they’re engaging in serious talks with Meta to brainstorm tighter rules that will keep Facebook from being a tool of misuse.
In a strong voice, the NCA committed to using all regulatory muscle available to defend Somalia’s national interests. “We’ve called on them to introduce more robust protections against the abuse of Facebook’s reporting features. We can’t risk losing public trust in such a vital communication platform,” Sheikh noted.
Somalia’s digital landscape thrives on Facebook, hosting around 5 million savvy users, including media folks, human rights bodies, and watchdogs. This platform stands as a pillar of connectivity and information flow, revered by many across the nation.
As the saga unfolds, all eyes remain on how these entities will protect free expression while maintaining national security, with the world watching their steps closely.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
