Mogadishu Mayor Defends New Vehicle Registration System After Transport Protest

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Mogadishu’s mayor has defended a newly introduced vehicle registration system after public transport drivers staged a protest, raising concerns over the measure aimed at tightening security in the capital.

Banadir Region Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu Hassan Mohamed Hussein, widely known as Muungaab, said all vehicles operating in the city must be registered to create comprehensive records covering ownership, guarantors and operating staff, including drivers and conductors.

He said the system was part of broader efforts to improve security and safeguard residents, dismissing claims circulating among drivers that the move would lead to new fees.

“There will be no charges beyond the existing official terminal (Bosteejo) fee,” the mayor said, adding that reports of additional levies were false.

Muungaab warned that vehicles failing to comply with the registration process and established regulations would face legal action in line with national laws.

The remarks were made in the presence of senior security officials, including the Banadir regional commander of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), who said the registration system was a key step toward strengthening security in Mogadishu.