Scanning through searches related to my beloved homeland should fill me with curiosity and excitement, not dread and discomfort. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon that when I search terms  like"Hargesia", "Garowe" or "Mogadishu," I am met with disturbing results featuring phrases like 'wasmo.' This unwelcome content is not only a personal bother, but a societal menace, highlighting a larger, pressing issue in our communities across Somalia, Somaliland, and nearby regions like Ogaden and Mandera.

The increasing presence of revenge pornography, child exploitation content, and other obscene material on underground Telegram channels is disturbing and deplorable. It exploits the innocent, profits from pain, and stains the digital reputation of our communities. Alarmingly, much of this content circulates freely, thriving due to insufficient legislative crackdowns, inadequate cybersecurity measures, and the covert nature of Telegram's encrypted platform.  Governments have not made a single statement or public arrest nor have major ISPs blocked such content. Research shows a shocking culture of child pornography as their is no way to verify the age of these individuals. We urge those who have the right to do something about this disease as other nations who have faced this problem , tackled it publicly.

Statistically, instances of online exploitation have skyrocketed, with many victims suffering in silence due to fear and shame. Though global internet penetration continues to grow, digital safety frameworks in many regions, including ours, lag far behind, leaving large gaps for malicious actors to exploit. We also have noticed a disturbing trend of rape throughout the horn of africa , harming young women in disturbing ways. Unfortunately poverty enables such behaviour to happen without consequence. We hope to pressure for stricter legal action against such activities.

It's crucial for the governments of Somalia, Somaliland, the territories of the Ogaden, Mandera, and others to act decisively against these channels. A collaborative regional effort is needed to strengthen laws against digital exploitation, improve cyber law enforcement training, and develop community awareness programs on digital safety. Furthermore, engaging with Telegram and other tech companies to enforce stricter content moderation and reporting guidelines will help dismantle these harmful networks.

The moral fabric of our societies depends on protecting the vulnerable and ensuring our digital spaces are safe and secure for all. This is not merely an appeal for change, but a demand for justice – for the innocent harmed and for a future where our digital landscapes reflect the beauty and potential of our land.

Support this cause today by signing this petition to drive much-needed change for a safer, more secure digital environment. Let us hold our governments accountable and voice our solidarity for those who suffer in silence. Together, we can initiate pivotal change.