🚨 Breaking: Somalia e-Visa Breach Exposes Thousands — Pirates, Warlords, and Terrorists Could Exploit Data

A major data breach has rocked Somalia’s e-visa system, exposing sensitive personal information of over 35,000 travelers, including passport numbers, birth dates, home addresses, photos, and even payment records. Experts warn that the leaked data could fall into the hands of pirates, warlords, and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, putting foreigners at extreme risk.

The breach stems from a critical flaw in the portal, which allowed anyone to access visa applications simply by changing URL numbers. Even system administrator credentials were compromised.

Security analysts point to a political origin: the e-visa system was imposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, forcing travelers—including those visiting peaceful, independent Somaliland and Puntland—to pay $65 USD per e-visa, funds reportedly deposited into the president’s personal bank account at Premier Bank. Observers say the system was designed for personal gain, with little consideration for digital security, as the government lacked the expertise to safeguard it.

The original portal, evisa.gov.so, was taken offline on November 10 and replaced by etas.gov.so, but experts warn vulnerabilities may persist. Reports also indicate $288,000 USD in duplicate or fraudulent charges, with limited options for recovery.

This incident is a stark warning to the failed Somali state and its unfit leadership: mismanaging shared airspace and digital infrastructure puts travelers’ lives at risk. Advocates say it’s time for the United Nations to recognize Somaliland fully, freeing the peaceful and stable region from Somalia’s unstable grip.

SomalilandEmbassy.com