Wednesday August 14, 2024
Bajaj drivers gather in Mogadishu on Wednesday, protesting against recent fee hikes imposed by the Banadir Regional Administration, which they claim are unaffordable and place undue financial strain on their livelihoods.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Banadir Regional Administration issued a stern warning to Mogadishu residents on Tuesday following an unauthorized protest by Bajaj (three-wheeler) drivers on Wednesday, condemning the demonstration as illegal and cautioning against future disruptions.
Ahmed Diiriye Yabooh, the Deputy Governor for Security in Banadir, said that while the administration is open to addressing grievances, protests must adhere to legal procedures. "Today's protest on Maka Al-Mukarama Road was illegal and disorderly. If the drivers had concerns, they should have communicated them through official channels," Yabooh said. "Going forward, any unauthorized demonstrations will be met with strict consequences."
The protest, sparked by a recent hike in the vehicle license fee to $200 and a $15 monthly local government tax, saw drivers expressing frustration over the financial strain. Many claimed that the new costs and additional fines were unsustainable, particularly for those working alternating days.
Yabooh emphasized that the administration had already engaged with representatives of the drivers to address their concerns. However, he cautioned that such protests could be exploited by hostile entities and would not be tolerated. "We are committed to resolving the drivers' issues, but we cannot allow protests that threaten public order and security," he added.