Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-In response to recent protests, the Somali Government announced on Sunday that it has reduced the license fees for new Tuk-tuk (Bajaj) drivers in the capital to $106.5. This fee includes charges for the Ministry of Finance, as well as certificates for birth, criminal records, and driving courses.

The decision comes after widespread dissatisfaction among drivers who had protested against the previously high fees and fines in two consecutive days last week.

Key Changes Announced

Mogadishu Municipality Spokesperson Salah Osman, alongside Mayor Yusuf Hussein Madale and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Fardowsa Osman Egal, outlined the revised fee structure.

“If a rickshaw driver loses his license, he can report to the nearest district police station and apply for a new one at a cost of only $20. Renewals of expired licenses will now cost $32. The fines for traffic violations, previously set at $20, have been reduced to $5 “, Osman said in a press conference.

The officials warned drivers that failing to retain a receipt after being fined by traffic police will be considered a criminal offense.

Response to Protests

“This decision is a response to the allegations and complaints from the tuk-tuk drivers. It is meant to provide relief to them,” said Egeh, explaining that the decision was reached after a meeting between the Ministry of Transport, law enforcement agencies, and Mogadishu municipality officials.

Background of Protests

The protests, led by tuk-tuk drivers, youth, and women, erupted in Mogadishu over the past days due to frustrations with increased taxes, fines, and the previous license fees, which exceeded $300. Prominent Somali leaders, including former presidents, members of Parliament, and the former governor of Benadir region, condemned the government’s actions against the protesters and called for a more just and responsive approach to the concerns of citizens.

The government’s decision to reduce the fees and fines is seen as an effort to quell the unrest and address the financial burdens faced by the city’s tuk-tuk drivers.