Sunday August 18, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Federal Government of Somalia has responded to protests by Bajaj motorcycle drivers in Mogadishu by significantly reducing license fees and implementing updated regulations. The move comes after two days of demonstrations in the capital, where drivers expressed frustration over the prohibitive costs of obtaining a driving license.
During an emergency meeting on August 17, 2024, top officials from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Security, and the Benadir Regional Administration convened to address the drivers' concerns. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Fardowsa Osman Egal, resulted in several key decisions to ease the financial burden on drivers while maintaining road safety standards.
"Our priority is to ensure that young Somali drivers who depend on Bajaj motorcycles for their livelihood have access to fair and affordable licensing processes," Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal stated. "We have taken swift action to address their concerns and improve their working conditions."
Somalia's youth face one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with 67% of young people out of work. Bajaj driving has become a crucial source of income for many, making any increase in operational costs, such as vehicle license fees and taxes, a direct threat to their survival.
Key Changes Announced:
- License Procedures: Drivers must now attend recognized driving schools, where they will receive training in road safety, road signs, and proper driving techniques. Those with expired licenses will need to renew them under the new procedures, which include mandatory re-examinations.
- Fee Adjustments:
- The renewal fee for existing licenses in Benadir has been reduced to $50.
- The fee for obtaining a new Bajaj motorcycle license is set at $41.5, payable to the Ministry of Finance's Single Treasury Account.
- The medical eye exam fee has been lowered to $25, while the physical health exam fee is now $15.
- The cost for obtaining a birth certificate and national ID has been reduced to $10, with a $15 fee for those without a passport or national ID.
- Enforcement: Security forces have been directed not to fine Bajaj drivers with expired licenses, except for the Road Safety Division, which retains the authority to issue fines. Drivers whose licenses have been suspended must retake the necessary tests to regain their driving privileges.
To qualify for a motorcycle license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good physical and mental health, and knowledgeable about road safety regulations. Valid identification, such as a national ID or passport, along with a police clearance certificate, is required.
The Banadir Regional Administration initially condemned the protests as illegal, warning of strict consequences for any future unauthorized demonstrations. Deputy Governor Ahmed Diiriye Yabooh emphasized that while the administration is open to addressing grievances, protests must follow legal procedures to avoid public disorder. The administration later engaged with drivers' representatives, pledging to address their concerns and urging them to return to work to restore calm in the city.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo criticized the government's handling of the protests, particularly the clashes between security forces and Bajaj drivers. He highlighted the challenging conditions faced by the youth, especially Bajaj drivers, and called for governmental support rather than additional financial burdens.