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Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council has criticized the authorities for using force against Bajaj drivers who were protesting rising fuel prices in Mogadishu. The council also condemned the arrest of several drivers and journalists who were covering the demonstration, saying the response was unnecessary and unfair.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council said the drivers had gathered peacefully to express their concerns about the sharp increase in fuel prices, which has made it harder for them to earn a living. According to the group, the drivers were simply voicing their frustration over the sudden price surge and should not have faced intimidation or detention.
The council noted that Bajaj drivers are mostly young people who rely on the job to support themselves and their families. It argued that these workers are playing an important role in the country’s economy by creating jobs and providing an essential public transport service. Because of this, the council said, it is wrong for authorities to respond to their concerns with arrests or force.
“It is unacceptable that young people who are working hard and contributing to the country’s economy are treated this way,” the statement said. The council stressed that peaceful protest and freedom of expression are basic rights that should be protected in any democratic system that follows the rule of law.
The opposition group warned that suppressing such rights could worsen the frustrations already felt by many young people who are struggling with unemployment and rising living costs. It added that allowing people to express their grievances peacefully is an important part of maintaining trust between the public and the government.
The comments came after protests broke out earlier Wednesday in Mogadishu. During the demonstrations, Bajaj drivers parked hundreds of their three-wheeled vehicles across parts of a major road between the Taleh and KM4 junctions. The move caused significant traffic disruptions as drivers called on the government to step in and address the issue of rising fuel prices.
Bajajs, which are small three-wheeled auto rickshaws, are one of the most common forms of public transport in the Somali capital. Thousands of residents depend on them every day to move around the city. Because of this, changes in fuel prices quickly affect both drivers and passengers.
Transport operators and fuel traders say the price of gasoline in Mogadishu has increased sharply in recent days. In less than two weeks, the cost has jumped from about 65 cents per liter to around $1.50 per liter. This means the price has more than doubled in a very short period, putting heavy financial pressure on drivers.
Many Bajaj operators say they are struggling to cover daily expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and vehicle payments. Some drivers warn that if fuel prices continue to rise, they will have no choice but to increase transport fares. This could make travel more expensive for residents and potentially raise the cost of goods and services across the city.
Fuel traders have suggested that the sudden price increase may be linked to rising tensions in the Middle East, which could disrupt major global shipping routes. One route often mentioned is the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage used for transporting oil around the world. Any disruption there can quickly affect global fuel supplies and prices.
Despite these global concerns, the Somali Future Council said local authorities should focus on addressing the immediate economic pressures facing drivers and ordinary citizens. The group urged the government to engage with transport workers and find practical solutions rather than responding with force.
The council also reaffirmed its support for the drivers’ right to pursue their demands peacefully and through legal channels. It said constructive dialogue between authorities and workers would help ease tensions and prevent further disruptions in the city.
At the same time, the council called for the release of any drivers or journalists who may have been detained during the protests. It emphasized that journalists should be able to report freely on public events without fear of arrest or harassment.
The group concluded by urging leaders to listen carefully to the concerns raised by drivers and the wider public. Addressing the fuel crisis, it said, is essential to protect livelihoods and maintain stability in Mogadishu.