Abdirahman Nur Abukar, Director of Communications at Sharif’s office, said the video had been taken down from the former president’s page, describing the incident as part of what he called a “digital war.”

In a social media statement, Abukar alleged that government authority was being used to influence content shared online.

He wrote: “We are familiar with the digital war. Tonight, a video was removed from the page of the seventh president, His Excellency Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, through the use of the authority associated with a government title.”

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition figures, with social media increasingly serving as a major platform for political statements, public debate and communication between leaders and their supporters.

However, Abukar did not identify who was directly responsible for removing the video, explain how the removal was carried out or provide details of the official reason behind the action.

His allegation that government influence was involved has not been independently verified, and no evidence has so far established that a state institution ordered the video’s removal.

Facebook, operated by Meta, has its own content moderation and enforcement procedures. Videos may be removed following copyright complaints, alleged violations of community standards or reports submitted by other users.

Determining why the specific video was taken down would require an official notification from Meta or further clarification from the administrators of Sharif’s page.

The incident comes as concerns grow over restrictions affecting Somali journalists, media organisations and political figures on social media platforms.

In a report published on September 26, 2026, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said Facebook pages belonging to Somali journalists and media outlets had been suspended or removed.

Some affected users reportedly said they had received no clear warnings before losing access to their accounts.

The SJS report also highlighted complaints involving allegedly fraudulent copyright claims and coordinated attempts to target social media accounts.

These developments have raised concerns that online platforms could be used to exert pressure on journalists, politicians and individuals expressing their views publicly.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is among Somalia’s prominent political figures who regularly use social media to communicate their positions on national affairs and share messages from his office.

His Facebook page provides a direct channel through which supporters and other members of the public follow his political statements.

The removal of political content without a clear explanation can raise broader questions about freedom of expression, equal access to digital platforms and whether political actors have comparable opportunities to communicate with the public.

At the same time, it is important to distinguish between content moderation decisions made by social media companies under their own policies and political interference by outside actors.

The two are not necessarily connected, and evidence is needed before attributing responsibility.

Abukar’s allegations are likely to add to the debate over the management of political content on social media in Somalia, particularly as opposition figures and their supporters continue to rely on digital platforms to communicate their positions.

Attention is also likely to turn to whether Meta provides an explanation for the removal and whether administrators of Sharif’s page have been given an opportunity to request a review or appeal the decision.

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