Somali police launch crackdown on unauthorised use of military uniforms
The announcement comes at a time when the number of social media influencers and content creators filming videos in military attire has sharply increased, particularly on TikTok and other online platforms.
The Somali Police Force has announced new measures to address the unauthorised use of military clothing and the growing trend of content creators wearing such uniforms in videos shared online.
Speaking to the media in Mogadishu on Monday, the spokesperson for the Somali Police, Colonel Abdifitah Aden Hassan, outlined a series of steps aimed at controlling the misuse of military attire and reinforcing accountability for those involved.
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He explained that individuals found filming themselves in military clothing without proper authorisation will face prosecution.
Abdifatah noted that military uniforms are state property and that using them for entertainment, social media content, or other unauthorised purposes is a serious violation. He stressed that those wearing such uniforms without the consent of the owners of the attire or without coordination with the relevant authorities will be held responsible before the law.
“Organisations, companies, and anyone recording footage while using military clothing are being instructed to obtain permission from the owners of the uniforms they are using and to coordinate with the authorities responsible for communications,” he said.
He emphasised that the directive applies to all groups and individuals, regardless of the purpose of the recording.
The announcement comes at a time when the number of social media influencers and content creators filming videos in military attire has sharply increased, particularly on TikTok and other online platforms.
The Somali Police highlighted that this trend has raised public concern over the erosion of the dignity associated with military uniforms and the risk of misusing symbols tied to national security.
The police spokesperson also noted that the department’s unit tasked with monitoring social media platforms has already begun registering violations.
According to him, this monitoring process is intended to identify individuals who disobey the directive and to ensure that legal consequences follow. He described the measure as part of a broader effort to maintain order and to prevent the exploitation of sensitive symbols that represent the country’s armed forces.
In addition to addressing content creators directly, the Somali Police issued a warning to property owners where individuals, particularly youths, gather to record videos considered offensive or unlawful.
Abdifitah made it clear that property owners who knowingly allow such activities on their premises will also be held accountable.
The police spokesperson reiterated that the use of military attire is restricted to legitimate institutions and official purposes.
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