Somalia Bans Armed Personnel from Using Motorcycles in Capital

By Shire Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 19 January 2026 Somalia's Banadir Regional Police Command issued a directive on Sunday banning armed members of the security forces from using motorcycles, locally known as "Fekon," as part of a crackdown on unauthorized armed movement in the capital.

The ban strictly prohibits any soldier or officer carrying a weapon from operating or traveling on the two-wheeled motorbikes, which are widely used for transit across Mogadishu.

In addition to the vehicle ban, authorities stated that armed personnel are no longer permitted on the streets of the capital unless they are on active, official duty

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"Any soldier who disregards these orders will face stiff legal action in accordance with the law," the police statement said, adding that the measures are essential for maintaining public order and safety.

This latest measure follows a previous government decree that barred armed soldiers from using auto-rickshaws, locally known as "Bajaaj."

Mogadishu has seen a series of new regulations recently as the federal government seeks to professionalize the security forces and reduce the number of "floating" or off-duty weapons in public spaces.

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