By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 19 October 2026 — Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has warned that media organisations and social media administrators could face legal action for spreading propaganda supporting militant groups and encouraging violence.
In a statement issued Monday, the ministry said outlets, websites and social media accounts involved in preparing or disseminating propaganda for Al-Shabaab and allied militias could be held accountable under Somali law.
It cited the Press Law, Anti-Terrorism Law, legislation on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, and the Penal Code as the legal basis for the warning.
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The government said it would not allow media platforms to be used to organise attacks, encourage people to join militant groups or incite armed violence that threatens national security and displaces civilians.
Individuals found to have deliberately used media platforms to support criminal activities, finance militant groups or encourage terrorist acts would face legal proceedings based on available evidence and individual responsibility, the ministry said.
The ministry urged media organisations and social media account administrators to refrain from such activities and to comply with national laws and journalistic ethics.