By Omar Abdulle “Dhagey” - Legal expert
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Social media has become one of the most powerful tools shaping public opinion, perceptions, and decision-making in modern societies. In Somalia, these platforms have emerged as an important space for sharing news, engaging in political debate, and participating in public affairs.
Yet alongside these opportunities comes a growing danger: the use of social media to mislead and manipulate the public.
Disinformation is more than simply spreading false information. It is a deliberate strategy aimed at distorting facts, influencing public perceptions, and creating political and social confusion.
Individuals and groups pursuing specific interests sometimes use social media platforms to promote narratives that are not grounded in reality, seeking to shape public opinion rather than provide reliable and accurate information.
Such campaigns often display recognizable patterns. These include the coordinated use of multiple accounts to spread identical messages, the circulation of unsubstantiated allegations, and efforts to provoke public emotions by exploiting fear, anger, or social divisions.
Rather than encouraging evidence-based discussion and informed debate, these campaigns frequently rely on propaganda, character assassination, and manipulation.
The greatest danger posed by disinformation is its ability to undermine citizens’ capacity to make informed decisions. Democracy depends on a well-informed public that can assess policies, leaders, and national issues based on credible information.
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When accurate information is replaced by falsehoods and distorted narratives, the foundations of democracy and accountability begin to weaken.
Somalia, which remains engaged in the long process of rebuilding state institutions and strengthening democratic governance, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of disinformation.
Unverified reports, politically motivated propaganda, and campaigns designed to deepen social divisions can directly affect national security, social cohesion, and public confidence in government institutions.
The solution is not to restrict freedom of expression or suppress differing viewpoints. Rather, it lies in strengthening media literacy, encouraging fact-checking, and fostering a culture of accountability among both media organizations and social media users.
Every citizen has a responsibility to verify information before sharing it with others.
Ultimately, the fight against disinformation is not a challenge for governments and media institutions alone. It is a national responsibility that belongs to society as a whole. If truth is not protected, misinformation can easily become a tool for shaping and controlling public opinion.
Defending facts and truth is therefore essential to safeguarding democracy, strengthening state institutions, and securing Somalia’s future.
*Omar Abdulle is a Somali lawyer and legal and political analyst specializing in governance and institutional reform.
*The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dawan Africa.