MOGADISHU — Public anger has surged in Somalia after a video circulating on social media appeared to show the alleged abuse of a young Somali girl in Mogadishu, prompting condemnation from authorities and calls for arrests.
Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development on Sunday condemned the incident, describing it as an assault on the dignity and honour of Somali citizens, and urged security forces to bring those responsible to justice.
Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the act violated Islamic values, Somali social norms and basic human rights principles, adding that society must reject such abuse and support accountability.
The ministry called on security agencies to arrest the suspects immediately and urged the public, including families and community members, to cooperate with investigators and avoid shielding those involved.
The Office of the Attorney General said it had opened an investigation into a group of young men accused of involvement in the incident, warning that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
It said the investigation focuses on acts allegedly committed in Mogadishu that violated public morality and Somali social values, and appealed for information from the public to help identify those involved.
The Banadir Regional Police Command said officers were conducting an intensive search for suspects, adding that the individuals seen in the footage were believed to have breached Islamic and social norms.
Police said formal investigations and follow-up operations were underway to apprehend those responsible.
According to authorities, the incident took place during a public welcome event for a social media content creator in Mogadishu, where the girl was surrounded by several young men and allegedly assaulted while others recorded the incident, which was later widely shared online.
Officials have urged the public to ensure that public gatherings involving influencers and content creators comply with legal and security regulations to prevent similar incidents.
