(28-Feb-23) Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali government forces have been accused of killing a young Bajaj (rickshaw) driver on Zoobe road in Mogadishu on Monday, February 28th. The deceased has been identified as Mahad Diriye by eyewitnesses at the scene.
According to reports, the soldiers who committed the murder were traveling in a car and fled the scene immediately. As of yet, there is no official statement from the security agencies regarding the incident.
This tragic event has resulted in a large demonstration by motorcyclists, who have stopped traffic movement on Zoobe road up to KM4, the busiest route in Mogadishu. Demonstrators are calling for justice and accountability for the death of Mahad Diriye.
Unfortunately, the killing of rickshaw drivers has become a norm in Mogadishu, and this is not the first time that such an incident has occurred. Last month, a rickshaw driver was killed in front of his mother in Wadnaha Street, which has also sparked widespread protests and calls for action.
Rights organizations have condemned the killing of Mahad Diriye and urged the Somali government to take immediate steps to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. The government must also take measures to ensure the safety of drivers and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
