Event Summary
On 12 March 2026, a group of Bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) drivers in Mogadishu organized a protest in response to the sharp increase in fuel prices, which has significantly affected their livelihoods. The drivers, many of whom are young people relying on daily income from transport services, gathered to express concerns about the rising cost of fuel and its impact on their ability to operate their vehicles and sustain their families. During the demonstration, drivers reportedly blocked sections of major roads in Mogadishu to draw attention to their grievances and demand government intervention regarding fuel pricing.
Despite the protest being largely peaceful, Somali security forces reportedly responded by arresting several individuals believed to have organized or participated in the demonstration. Reports indicate that approximately four young protesters were detained by the police. The arrests raised concerns among observers and civil society actors, who argued that the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression. After spending several days in detention, the detained individuals were eventually released.