Somali Government Begins Removing Illegal Roadblocks

Militias used roadblocks to terrorize travelers

The Somali government last week began a three-phase campaign to remove illegal roadblocks set up by militia members on the roads connecting Mogadishu to the Lower Shabelle capital of Marka and the Bay capital of Baidoa.

For many years, these roadblocks have made travel costly and dangerous for traders, bus drivers and regular citizens who routinely travel between Mogadishu and the regional capitals, oftentimes leaving them robbed of the their possessions and sometimes far worse.