The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) is deeply concerned by a growing wave of coordinated online attacks targeting Somali journalists, independent media outlets, and digital content creators through abuse of Meta’s reporting and copyright systems.
These attacks come at a time of heightened political tension in Somalia, where journalists and media organisations are already operating under severe pressure, intimidation, and insecurity. Despite the almost daily physical attacks, arrests, harassment, and intimidation faced by media professionals, a dangerous new form of online violence has now emerged.
Organised online groups are increasingly using coordinated mass reporting, false copyright allegations, and digital harassment campaigns to silence critical journalism and suppress independent voices online. Media stakeholders report that some of these groups are now operating through organised “chat pods” and coordinated online networks created specifically to target journalists, media houses, and independent voices through mass reporting and harassment tactics.
Media stakeholders fear that these actions are part of broader attempts to restrict public access to independent information during a politically sensitive period in the country.
In less than two weeks alone, Somali security forces in Mogadishu the capital have reportedly arrested, intimidated, or assaulted more than ten journalists, including at least five female journalists. Several journalists were reportedly detained while covering political and security-related developments.
At the same time, major media outlets and independent journalists have come under systematic online attacks affecting their ability to publish and reach audiences on Meta platforms. Among the affected media organisations are Shabelle TV, Universal TV, Dalsan TV , Abdirisak Atosh and a number of independent journalists and online influencers whose content has reportedly been removed or restricted through coordinated reporting campaigns.
SOMWA warns that these online attacks represent an alarming escalation in efforts to silence independent journalism in Somalia. The misuse of digital platforms and copyright systems to target journalists poses a serious threat to freedom of expression, media independence, and public access to information.
Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA, stated: “We are witnessing a dangerous shift from physical attacks on journalists to coordinated digital violence designed to silence independent media voices. Journalists in Somalia are now under pressure both offline and online. These organised campaigns, including the use of coordinated chat pods and mass reporting networks, are aimed at intimidating media professionals, restricting critical reporting, and weakening independent journalism.”
She added: “These attacks are taking place during a politically sensitive period in Somalia, making the targeting of journalists and media outlets even more concerning. Technology platforms must urgently investigate the abuse of their systems to silence independent reporting and facilitate coordinated online harassment against journalists.”
SOMWA calls on Meta and other technology companies to urgently investigate these coordinated activities, strengthen protections for journalists and media organisations, and prevent the abuse of reporting and copyright mechanisms by organised groups seeking to silence free expression.
The organisation also calls on Somali authorities to end attacks against journalists and uphold their responsibility to protect press freedom and media independence.
For media enquiries, contact us:
Telephone: 00252615533246 or Email: info@somwa.org
Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA)
