On Tuesday, Bajaj (rickshaw) drivers in Mogadishu staged a significant protest to express their dismay over the growing insecurity as well as the increasing extortion and bribery demands by Mogadishu authorities disguised as ‘taxes’.
As stipulated by Article 20 of the Somali Provisional Charter and all relevant international frameworks peaceful protests are a fundamental human right and a legitimate way for youth to express their grievances.
Somali Community strongly condemn the threats made by Mogadishu Police Commander Moalim Mahdi a former member of the Al-Shabaab militant group, Mahdi is well-known for his brutal actions and violations of basic human rights including the right to protest.
They urge the Bajaj drivers in Mogadishu to continue their peaceful gatherings denounce all forms of intimidation and ensure they record all violations, including the use of force by the Al-Shabaab-infiltrated police in Mogadishu, This will facilitate the documentation of cases for future legal action.
Opposition party Himilo Qaran led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed strongly condemns the βunacceptableβ treatment by Banadir region security forces against the youth who staged the protest in Mogadishu The party calls for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights to peacefully express their concerns.
As Mogadishu’s streets fill with protesters for the second day in a row starting from Tuesday and continuing today Wednesday, it is clear that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is not the leader Somalia deserves From skyrocketing Bajaj license fees to silencing dissent with military force, he is proving himself to be more of a dictator than a president.
During an interview a Bajaj driver in Mogadishu expressed his financial struggles, stating “I can’t afford to pay an extra $200 USD.” Despite his concerns, he faces the choice of paying the imposed charges or losing his menial job.
Unrest persists on Maka Al-Mukarama Road in Mogadishu for the second consecutive day as tuk-tuk drivers protest against the government’s increase in license fees. The drivers have blocked the key KM4 junction, which connects the airport to the rest of the city and the situation remains tense.
“There’s an armed soldier on every street demanding money from us even with a license and we can’t make a living under these conditions President Hassan Sheikh and Mayor Madaale, who sent them, need to intervene,” said a tuk-tuk driver.
The lack of cash known as Somali “Shiid” in Mogadishu has reached its peak disrupting relations among young people Some girls have said that men who propose to them are also broke One girl mentioned she resorted to walking despite the tuk-tuks on the streets all because of βshiid.”