A video circulating on social media, purportedly showing Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro laughing instead of answering questions, has been debunked by PesaCheck. The organization used Google reverse image search and found that the original image shows President Cirro participating in a discussion at the Hudson Institute in Washington. The video was manipulated to make it appear as though Cirro was laughing instead of responding to questions.
The manipulated video was shared on social media with a caption that read, "Qosol Xumaa Ma Khamriya Cab baa😂?" The video shows President Cirro sitting next to an interviewer wearing a gray suit and blue tie, with a Hudson Institute backdrop. The interviewer is holding a small book. PesaCheck analyzed the video and found that it was likely created using artificial intelligence.
PesaCheck examined the original footage of the event and found that the discussion was conducted in English, while the manipulated video was in Somali. The organization's analysis revealed that the video was heavily edited to make it appear as though Cirro was laughing instead of responding to questions. The video was also analyzed using Hive Detect, which found that it had a 99.9% chance of being AI-generated.
The manipulated video has raised concerns about the use of deepfakes in African politics. Somaliland has been seeking international recognition as an independent state since 1991, but the international community largely considers it part of Somalia. The issue has sparked a diplomatic row, particularly after Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, a move that was rejected by Somalia and the African Union.
PesaCheck's investigation found that the manipulated video was part of a larger trend of disinformation on social media. The organization has been working to combat fake news and disinformation in Africa, particularly in the realm of public finance and governance. PesaCheck is part of the Code for Africa network, which aims to promote transparency and accountability through technology and data-driven journalism.
The organization has been working with social media platforms, including Facebook, to identify and debunk fake news. PesaCheck's work has been recognized as an important effort to promote fact-based journalism and combat disinformation in Africa. The organization's findings have been shared widely, and its work has been endorsed by media outlets and civil society organizations across the continent.
PesaCheck's exposé of the manipulated video has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of online content, particularly in the lead-up to elections and other critical events. The organization's work is crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in African politics and governance. By debunking fake news and disinformation, PesaCheck is helping to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Key points
- PesaCheck exposed a manipulated video of Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro.
- The video was created using artificial intelligence to make it appear as though Cirro was laughing instead of responding to questions.
- The incident highlights the growing concern about disinformation and deepfakes in African politics.
