Somalia : Puntland Defies Federal Ban on TikTok, 1XBET, Telegram

GAROWE, Somalia - The Puntland Minister of Information, Mohamud Eidid, announced today that Puntland will not comply with the Federal Government's recent order banning the use of popular online platforms TikTok, 1XBET, and Telegram within its jurisdiction.

The minister firmly stated that Somalia, as a federal country, has different laws, and he highlighted that Puntland's laws preceded the federal one. This declaration marks a significant deviation from the federal  government's recent decision.

Outgoing President Dani has moved to address the broader issue of social media management in the country by appointing a technical committee. Comprising experts and lawyers, the committee is expected to discuss and formulate a strategy for regulating social media platforms.

"That issue is still ongoing and is being finalized, and it is hoped that it will be submitted to parliament in the coming weeks," said Minister Eidid. He added that whatever emerges from those regulations will become law and will be further supported by existing laws, including the Penal Code and the Press Code.

Furthermore, Minister Eidid emphasized that companies based in Puntland cannot be expected to comply with decisions made in Mogadishu, a sentiment reflecting the underlying tensions between the federal government and the federal member states (FMS).

In response to inquiries about Puntland's relationship with the federal government in Mogadishu, the minister stated that discussions are ongoing. He clarified that Puntland will not abide by decisions made by Mogadishu until an agreement that reflects Puntland's unique legal standing and interests is reached.

The stand taken by Puntland sends a clear message about its intention to maintain autonomy in legal matters. It also underscores the complexity of governing a federal country like Somalia, where federal laws and FMS laws must find a delicate balance.

GAROWE ONLINE