TikTok and Somali clan politicsCEFR B1
23 Oct 2025
Adapted from Said Isse, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Fatima Yusuf, Unsplash
Clan identity in Somali society is rooted in patrilineal lineage and has traditionally shaped political organisation, dispute resolution and social belonging. Historically, governance often took place through Shir clan assemblies where senior men moderated disputes and shared information. The collapse of the central state and the growth of the diaspora created new, digitalised clan interactions across borders.
TikTok enables transnational identity connections and gives younger users and women new space to express clan identity. Influencers display clan flags, compose clan-based poems and use coded language in livestreams. A notable phenomenon is TikTok clan battles: influencers face off in live streams, exchange taunts and mobilise followers. Donations arrive as digital coins, and recorded clips are recirculated, prolonging feuds and increasing engagement.
Research and media reports found that coins from TikTok battles helped fund sides in the 2023 Laasanood conflicts. Interviewees said the platform’s algorithm favours emotional content and that influencers play on anger and pride. Experts recommend culturally informed moderation, banned keywords, digital literacy training and collaboration between policymakers, elders and influencers.
Difficult words
- identity — Who a person is or how they see themselves.
- politics — Activities related to government and power.
- clan — A group of people connected by family or culture.clannism, clan-related
- empowerment — Giving people the power or confidence.
- algorithm — A set of rules for solving problems, especially in computing.
- narrative — A story or a way to explain events.narratives
- engagement — Involvement or interaction in a particular activity.
- moderation — The act of controlling or managing content.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can social media impact cultural identities?
- What are some positive uses of platforms like TikTok?
- What strategies could be developed to reduce conflict on social media?
- In what ways can digital literacy training help users?
- How important is community collaboration in social media contexts?
Related articles
Miski Osman: Identity, work and investment in East Africa
A project supported by the African Union Media Fellowship, International Consulting Expertise and the EU collected interviews in Mogadishu and Nairobi. One long interview follows Miski Osman’s path, her work on governance and her investments in East Africa.
AI to stop tobacco targeting young people
At a World Conference in Dublin (23–25 June), experts said artificial intelligence can help stop tobacco companies targeting young people online. They warned social media and new nicotine products draw youth into addiction, and poorer countries carry the heaviest burden.