The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a new initiative to reopen blocked roads across Mogadishu, as part of a broader strategy to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility for residents who face daily hardships caused by long-standing street closures and gridlock.
The Minister of Internal Security, Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), was briefed on the initiative by a special task force assigned to address the capital’s worsening traffic situation. The committee includes representatives from national security agencies, the Benadir Regional Administration, and other federal institutions.
During the briefing, the task force presented an assessment of how road closures and traffic bottlenecks have impacted public life—disrupting livelihoods, limiting access to services, and causing widespread frustration among commuters. The team also proposed strategies to systematically review and reopen key roads, many of which have been blocked for extended periods due to security concerns.
Discussions underscored the urgent need to ease movement restrictions, particularly in neighborhoods where barriers and checkpoints have heavily constrained civilian movement. The government says the plan is part of a broader commitment to balancing public safety with residents’ right to move freely and conduct daily business in a functional, accessible city.
This initiative comes amid growing public frustration over the widespread use of concrete barriers, closed intersections, and persistent traffic jams—especially in central Mogadishu—where daily commutes have become increasingly long and difficult. Residents have voiced concern that the current road closures, while originally intended for security, now severely disrupt everyday life and economic activity.
“We must find the right balance between safeguarding security and preserving people’s freedom of movement,” said an official at the meeting. “This plan represents a crucial step toward rebuilding public trust and enhancing urban life in Mogadishu.”
by AfricaOne
The government’s new roadmap outlines a comprehensive approach that begins with thorough assessments of blocked roads and their impact on residents. It emphasizes active consultations with local communities to ensure their concerns and needs are fully considered. Following this, the plan calls for a phased reopening of key streets across Mogadishu, carefully balancing improved access with ongoing security requirements. Officials stress that while easing movement restrictions is a priority, security considerations will remain central to every decision, ensuring the safety of residents and the stability of the capital.