The Virtual Battlefield: Digital Clanism and Conflict in Somalia

The rise of Facebook, TikTok, X, and diaspora-driven online networks has turned local disputes into national and transnational political battles. Political elites, influencers, and clan networks use digital platforms to frame rivals, mobilize support, spread misinformation, and sustain conflict narratives. This creates a dangerous feedback loop: online narratives fuel offline tension, and offline conflict then strengthens online polarization. The key lesson is clear: Somalia's conflict response cannot focus only on traditional security and political negotiations. Digital conflict management must become part of national stabilization strategy. Somalia needs stronger coordination between federal and regional authorities, better crisis communication, Somali-language content moderation, digital literacy programs, and structured diaspora engagement. Read the full report from Insight Horn Institute (IHI) website