On Monday, 16 March 2025, protests erupted in Mogadishu after a police officer shot and killed a tuk-tuk driver in the heart of the city. Outraged by what they described as repeated violence and harassment by security forces, demonstrators blocked major roads and set a police vehicle on fire. Banadir Police later confirmed that the officer involved had been arrested.
This was not the first time tuk-tuk drivers had clashed with security forces. In August 2024, a similar protest broke out at KM4 junction over increased licensing fees. That demonstration also ended violently, with police injuring at least four people.
These events are part of a broader and troubling trend. Since January 2025, ACLED has recorded at least four incidents in Mogadishu where tuk-tuk drivers were shot by security forces. These confrontations often arise from traffic congestion and widespread stop-and-search operations targeting tuk-tuks—measures intended to prevent their use by al-Shabaab. Tuk-tuk drivers have also been subjected to enforced rotational work cycles, a traffic control strategy introduced in response to the surge of auto-rickshaws in the capital. While these policies are framed as efforts to address security and congestion, they have severely strained relations between drivers and the police.
The latest killing has reignited public outrage over the excessive use of force and the lack of police accountability, renewing demands for comprehensive security sector reform. The tension is not just anecdotal. According to ACLED, between 2014 and 2024, Somali security forces were responsible for 478 incidents targeting civilians in Mogadishu, resulting in 374 fatalities. The rise in such incidents coincides with a sharp increase in the presence of security forces in the capital following the 14 October 2017 bombing, which killed more than 500 people. More troops, more patrols, and more checkpoints have not led to greater safety; instead, they have created additional opportunities for abuse, confusion, and confrontation.
The recurring violence between security forces and civilians exemplified by the recent killing of the tuk-tuk driver highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security sector reform. These reforms must address both the structural and operational deficiencies that enable such incidents.
First, there is a pressing need to improve training for security personnel. Training should emphasize de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and the proportionate use of force in civilian interactions.
Second, accountability mechanisms must be strengthened. While the arrest of the officer involved in the recent incident is a step forward, it is insufficient without a transparent judicial process and consistent enforcement of disciplinary measures. An independent oversight body should be established to investigate allegations of excessive force and ensure justice. This body must have the authority to recommend policy changes based on its findings, targeting systemic issues rather than isolated events.
Third, operational policies—such as stop-and-search procedures and the rotational work system for tuk-tuk drivers—must be reviewed. Although designed to counter al-Shabaab and manage urban congestion, these measures have disproportionately affected civilians and escalated tensions. A participatory approach, involving consultation with community representatives and local leaders, could help create policies that balance security needs with the economic realities of city life.
Finally, the expansion of security infrastructure and the proliferation of armed actors since 2017 require better coordination and oversight. The increased number of security forces and checkpoints has not resulted in enhanced civilian safety, but rather in greater risk of power misuse. To mitigate this, authorities should streamline command structures, clarify rules of engagement, and invest in community policing models. Without these reforms, the cycle of violence, protest, and mistrust will continue—undermining both public safety and the legitimacy of security institutions in Mogadishu.