Mahad Mohamud is slowly readjusting to the heat, chaos and tension of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, after being deported from the US city of Minneapolis last month just as winter was closing in there.
Somalis know the 36-year-old as Garyaqaan - a word that can be translated as judge. This is the name he uses on TikTok, where he attracted almost half a million followers while he was abroad, gaining praise for defending his clan's interests.
However, Mahad faced serious allegations linked to a rival TikToker, who accused him of criminal activities, including the kidnapping of French officials. Mahad denies these claims; he argues that his detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arose after his address was leaked, leading to his sudden removal from the US.
His journey to the US began over a decade ago, trying to escape violence and poverty. After a difficult path through various countries, Mahad finally settled in Minneapolis, where he worked as an Uber driver and became a TikTok sensation. But this success also attracted life-threatening attention from al-Shabab due to his advocacy for the government.
His recent deportation has forced Mahad into a state of fear, receiving death threats from al-Shabab upon his return. While he is grateful to be reunited with his children after nearly ten years apart, he continues to fear for his life and navigates heightened security measures in a country still marred by violence and political instability.
