In 2023, the Somali government banned TikTok, Telegram and 1xBet. Al-Shabaab controls zones where internet is completely banned. A VPN is essential for secure access in Somalia.
See top VPNs →The Somali government banned TikTok, Telegram and 1xBet in 2023, citing security and public morality concerns. In areas controlled by al-Shabaab, all internet access is prohibited — the group announced an internet ban in 2014 and has enforced it in areas under its control. For users in government-controlled cities like Mogadishu, a VPN unblocks banned platforms and protects private communications.
Somalia's internet infrastructure is fragmented — multiple private ISPs operate in different cities with varying levels of reliability and censorship enforcement. A VPN with obfuscation ensures consistent access regardless of which ISP you are using.
Install before travelling to or within Somalia. ProtonVPN Stealth and Surfshark NoBorders are the most reliable for Somalia's censorship environment.