Mogadishu Reinforces Commitment to Counterterrorism and Information Warfare
Mogadishu, Somalia – March 7, 2025 – The Somali Council of Ministers, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, convened in Mogadishu on Thursday to reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to combating misinformation and dismantling terrorist support networks. This resolution underscores the government’s multi-pronged strategy to bolster national security, confront extremist narratives, and protect the Somali people from the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. The meeting emphasized the critical role of information integrity in the fight against terrorism, recognizing that misinformation serves as a potent weapon for extremist groups seeking to manipulate public opinion and undermine state-led counterterrorism efforts.
The Council’s resolution outlines robust measures to hold individuals and entities accountable for aiding terrorist groups. Providing any form of support to extremists, including housing, logistical assistance, or financial aid, will be met with severe legal repercussions. These measures aim to cripple Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity by severing its access to resources and safe havens. Complementing this legal framework is the intensified focus on curbing the spread of misinformation and propaganda, which authorities view as crucial to disrupting Al-Shabaab’s recruitment efforts and its ability to incite violence. The resolution reflects the Somali government’s recognition that combating terrorism requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and ideological dimensions of the threat.
The government’s intensified focus on information control builds upon previous actions, signifying a growing awareness of the threat posed by online radicalization and the spread of extremist propaganda. In January 2025, the Cabinet approved new social media regulations aimed at stemming the tide of terrorist content. This followed the August 2023 ban on platforms like TikTok and Telegram, which were accused of facilitating the dissemination of extremist material. The government’s concern over disinformation campaigns, highlighted in June 2024, further underscores the perceived urgency of countering narratives that distort the state’s counterterrorism successes and potentially erode public trust. The reaffirmation of this resolution comes at a critical juncture in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab. The government’s ongoing military offensive, coupled with the National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (2024-2027), aims to deliver a decisive blow to the terrorist group.
Somalia’s legal framework for combating terrorism has been significantly strengthened in recent years, providing the government with enhanced tools to disrupt terrorist activities. The Anti-Terrorism Law, passed in March 2023, grants security forces expanded powers to detain and prosecute suspected terrorist sympathizers. Furthermore, the Financial Sanctions Act empowers authorities to target the financial lifelines of terrorist groups by freezing assets linked to their operations. This two-pronged approach of legal enforcement and financial disruption aims to simultaneously dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and cripple its ability to finance its activities.
The Council of Ministers meeting encompassed a range of key decisions, reflecting the breadth of the government’s security agenda. High praise was given to the Somali National Army and civilian forces for their unwavering commitment in the fight against Al-Shabaab, acknowledging the progress made in recent operations. The government reiterated its commitment to providing the armed forces with the necessary resources and support to eradicate the terrorist threat. The Council also issued a stern warning against the misuse of media platforms and the fabrication of documents. Individuals found guilty of spreading misinformation or misrepresenting legal information will face severe consequences, including prosecution and harsh penalties.
The government issued a strong warning to civilians residing in areas where anti-terrorism operations are underway, urging them to avoid locations known to harbor Al-Shabaab militants. The Somali National Army’s planned escalation of both air and ground operations underscores the intensified campaign against the extremist group. While emphasizing the importance of civilian safety, the government reiterated its resolve to target and eliminate the terrorist elements that have inflicted immense suffering on the Somali people. Furthermore, to enhance security at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, a ban on weapons and combat vehicles within the airport perimeter was announced. Details regarding the implementation of this security measure will be forthcoming from the relevant security agencies. The Somali government’s comprehensive approach, combining military action, legal enforcement, information control, and community engagement, signals its determination to confront the multifaceted challenge of terrorism and secure a stable future for the nation.