Somalia Investigates Alleged Assault of Girl Following Viral Video in Mogadishu
Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged assault of a young girl in Mogadishu after a video of the incident went viral. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a probe as public calls for justice and accountability intensify.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged assault of a Somali girl in Mogadishu after video of the incident spread widely on social media, prompting public outrage and demands for arrests.
In a statement Sunday, the ministry condemned the incident as an attack on the dignity and honor of Somali citizens and urged security agencies to arrest those responsible and refer them to judicial authorities.
Family and Human Rights Development Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the alleged assault violated Islamic values, Somali social norms and basic principles of human rights and human dignity.
The ministry called on parents, families and anyone with information about the suspects to cooperate with security forces. It also warned against sheltering anyone believed to have been involved.
The Office of the Attorney General said it had opened an investigation into a group of young men accused of abusing the girl. It said strict legal action would be taken against anyone found to have participated in the incident.
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The attorney general’s office said the investigation centers on acts allegedly committed in Mogadishu that violated public morality and Somali social values. It urged the public to share information that could help identify the suspects and bring them before the courts.
The incident reportedly occurred during a public welcome event for a YouTuber in Mogadishu. The girl was surrounded by several young men and allegedly assaulted while others filmed the incident, according to accounts circulating online. The video was later shared on social media, triggering widespread anger among Somalis and calls for authorities to act quickly.
The case has renewed concern over the filming and online sharing of abuse, particularly incidents involving women and girls, in a society where victims can face stigma even as suspects remain unidentified or at large.
Somali authorities did not immediately announce arrests. Security agencies have asked the public to cooperate closely with investigators and provide any information that may help locate those involved.
The ministry said protecting women and children from abuse remains a public responsibility and called for accountability through the formal justice system.
Public reaction to the video has intensified pressure on authorities to demonstrate that those accused of assault, as well as those who recorded or circulated abusive content, will face legal consequences. The attorney general’s office said the investigation remains open and that further action will depend on evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.