Egyptian and Malian authorities have escalated controls on social-media content and public celebrations, citing morality and public order. In Egypt, security agencies have detained dozens over alleged online offences, while in Mali officials have outlawed popular “soirées Dior,” signalling a widening pushback against trends amplified by TikTok and other platforms.
Egypt’s arrests over online content
Egyptian security forces have, in recent months, intensified a crackdown on social media activities, arresting at least 29 individuals, including a minor, on allegations of “indecency” and “undermining family values.” The detentions, carried out between late July and late August 2025, drew on investigations by the Interior Ministry alongside monitoring reported by local media and rights advocates. Human Rights Watch (HRW), which reviewed the files, described the prosecutions as an “abusive” application of existing laws.
Authorities allege that those arrested produced or shared “indecent videos,” with enforcement focusing largely on TikTok. Officials cited clips of young women dancing, among them four belly dancers, which morality police claimed “violate public morals.” Prosecutors announced on 8 August that they had filed charges against ten of the suspects; reports also indicated associated asset freezes and travel bans as part of ongoing proceedings.
Oversight concerns and legal trajectory
HRW framed the arrests as part of a broader pattern aimed at narrowing the space for expression online. The organisation warned that loosely defined offences risk arbitrary interpretation and selective prosecution, particularly when officials rely on subjective standards of taste and propriety. Lawyers following the cases said the mix of criminal charges, financial restrictions, and mobility limits has raised concerns about due process and proportionality even as investigations continue.
Mali bans ‘Dior parties’
In a separate move on the continent, the governor of Bamako district on 8 September prohibited “soirées Dior,” colloquially known as “Dior parties.” These private gatherings—often birthdays or weddings—feature groups of women in colourful Boubou Dior outfits, dancing and sharing meals, with recordings commonly posted on social platforms, including TikTok. Officials labelled the practice an “obscenity” that offends the “customs and public morals of Mali,” prompting the Ministry of Justice to direct prosecutors to pursue violations with severity.
Cultural trend and regional spread
Despite the ban in Bamako, videos of similar celebrations have continued to attract audiences across West Africa. The trend has gained particular visibility in Senegal and Guinea, where clips circulate widely and appear to fuel further imitation. The cross-border popularity highlights the friction between fast-moving digital culture and differing national approaches to public morality and regulation.
A widening debate on expression and norms
Taken together, the actions in Egypt and Mali underscore a growing tension between regulatory authorities and creators who use social platforms to share dance, dress, and social life. Governments argue they are defending public order and moral standards in the digital sphere. Critics counter that vague prohibitions on “indecent videos” and gatherings deemed an “obscenity” provide sweeping latitude to criminalise expression and assembly, with potential chilling effects that extend beyond the immediate targets.