Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Following the recent arrest of numerous individuals for expressing their views on social media, the young population in Mogadishu is increasingly concerned about their safety.
Many of them are social media users and they are saying that they feel frightened that might be targeted if they express critical opinions online.
In interviews with Kaab TV, several young people revealed that they are considering using pseudonyms to protect their identities and ensure their safety while continuing to voice their opinions.
The crackdown has sparked a climate of fear and uncertainty among the city’s youth, who worry that their basic freedoms, particularly the freedom of expression, are under threat.
One young Mogadishu resident, speaking under the condition of anonymity, shared their concerns: “We are afraid to speak our minds. Using our real names online has become too risky.”
However, the arrests have also garnered support from some quarters. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to curb what they perceive as an “indecent culture” proliferating on social media.
They believe that while the crackdown is harsh, it serves a greater purpose of maintaining societal norms and values.
“I warn that these actions will lead to crackdown on freedom of expression which is a constitutional right,” said one man who spoke to our reporter on the corner of the street.
Despite this support, there is a growing chorus of voices warning that these actions could have severe repercussions for fundamental freedoms in Somalia.
“If this continues, we risk losing one of our most basic rights – the right to express ourselves freely,” said another concerned citizen.
As the debate continues, the youth of Mogadishu are caught in a dilemma, torn between the need to express themselves and the fear of reprisal.