Photos obtained by Kaab TV from the area show the trucks burning along the road between Wanla-Weyn and Afgooye in Lower Shabelle region.

One of the truck drivers told Kaab TV that Al-Shabaab members intercepted the vehicles as they were travelling along the road connecting Wanla-Weyn and Afgooye.

“The trucks were burned by Al-Shabaab’s local faction, particularly members stationed at checkpoints. The trucks belonged to two owners from Gaaljecel, Habar Gidir and Murusade,” the driver said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

Afgooye is only 30km from southwest of Mogadishu.

What Led to the Burning of the Trucks?

According to informed sources who spoke to Kaab TV, Al-Shabaab had for some time been collecting extortion payments from charcoal trucks, with the money channelled through a committee responsible for the truck operators.

However, the situation changed last week after U.S.-trained Danab forces arrested two members of the committee, identified as Ahmed Soomaali and Osman Jawjawley.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the two men served as the chairman and head of finance of the charcoal truck operators’ committee, respectively, and collected payments from the trucks on behalf of Al-Shabaab.

BREAKING: Al-Shabaab militants today set fire on 6 trucks carrying charcoal near Afgooye town, about 30km from Somalia capital, Mogadishu.

A video from the area shows trucks destroyed by the fire early morning on Wednesday.

Somali police in the area have not responded and the… pic.twitter.com/Fm7M19VPQm

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) August 19, 2026

Following their arrest, Al-Shabaab’s finance office contacted the remaining members of the committee and ordered them to continue the operation.

Fearing for their safety, the committee members travelled to Mogadishu and switched off their phones.

Sources said Al-Shabaab later contacted some of the truck drivers and ordered them to reconstitute the committee.

The truck operators reportedly responded that each person was willing to pay whatever amount was demanded from them individually, but that they could not take responsibility for collecting or managing payments on behalf of others.

That disagreement marked the beginning of the dispute between Al-Shabaab and the truck operators, according to the sources.

A security official in Afgooye told Kaab TV that Al-Shabaab attacked the cargo trucks this morning as they were travelling along the road between Afgooye and Wanla-Weyn, setting six of them on fire.

Al-Shabaab and the Charcoal Ban

Al-Shabaab has long prohibited tree cutting and charcoal production. However, since 2023, following the group’s loss of control over several areas, it has reportedly reduced enforcement of the ban on the charcoal trade.

Earlier this week, the group again issued strict orders against tree cutting and charcoal production.

Under the latest orders, people who had already cut trees were given 20 days to use or dispose of the wood they had cut, while being warned against cutting additional trees.

Afgooye police have not commented on the incident. The area where the attack took place remains under significant Al-Shabaab presence and control.

The post Al-Shabaab Sets Fire to Six Charcoal Trucks Over Unpaid Extortion Fees appeared first on Kaab TV.

Held via X Spaces, the virtual forum brought together journalists, youth leaders, women, and community members from across Somalia to unpack the root causes, consequences, and possible solutions to the migration crisis.

In the lead-up to the event, Baraarug conducted a public opinion poll on June 29, asking followers: “What is causing the migration (tahriib) of Somali youth?”

About 66.7% of respondents blamed youth unemployment, while 22.2% pointed to insecurity and conflict. Another 11.1% said young people are simply seeking a better life outside Somalia.

Tahriib: Irregular Migration of Somali Youth, Causes, Consequences & Solution https://t.co/Lf7ZNZuqUc

— Baraarug Campaign (@BaraarugSom) July 3, 2025

Presenting the findings, Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), described the issue as a national crisis.

“When youth — who make up more than 70% of the population — are risking their lives on dangerous migration routes, and many are dying along the way while the government remains silent, this is a national catastrophe,” said Mr. Mumin.

Hussein Mohamed, a Mogadishu-based freelance journalist with The New York Times, highlighted the lack of national policies that prioritize the needs of youth.

He said the absence of inclusive opportunities and widespread favoritism in government appointments are among the root causes.

“Injustice, the oppression faced by certain clans, and the way leadership positions are handed out based on favoritism — these are driving forces behind irregular migration. Tahriib and all obstacles to our progress will only end when we stop the injustice we inflict on one another,” he added.

Ruun Abdi Kamas, head of the Puntland Youth Association, detailed the severe toll tahriib is taking on youth in Puntland.

She referenced statements made in May by Puntland’s Vice President Ilyas Osman, who raised alarms about the youth exodus and proposed travel screenings at airports and stricter passport controls.

However, Kamas argued that such measures fail to address the real drivers of migration.

“Tahriib has deeply affected Puntland. It is fueled by traffickers and business networks, insecurity, unemployment, and an outdated education system. Unless we reform our administration and school curricula, and hold traffickers accountable, young people’s hopes will remain shattered,” she said.

Anfac Aden, producer of the Baraarug Podcast, focused on the unique struggles faced by women who migrate irregularly.

She mentioned that many of those who recently died off the coast of Mayotte, a French island, were young Somali women.

“The irregular migration of women is heartbreaking. They face abuse, rape, and psychological trauma. Many are the backbone of their families. Forced marriages after university and insecurity are major drivers,” she explained.

Youth participants from across Somalia also voiced strong opinions during the live discussion.

Mohamud, a young man from Garowe, emphasized that without addressing core issues like unemployment and insecurity, no policy will stop migration.

“You cannot stop a hungry young man fleeing from insecurity and death,” he said.

“I urge the media to play its role in holding leaders accountable. We need a new generation of leaders — not the same recycled, corrupt politicians who have failed us.”

The discussion concluded with a call for collective action from civil society, media, and government to tackle the systemic issues fueling irregular migration. Participants emphasized the urgency of giving Somali youth real hope and real opportunities within their own country.

Baraarug is a digital media campaign dedicated to promoting greater access to civic rights for women and youth in Somalia through the use of digital media and public dialogue.

The post Baraarug Discussion Reveals Youth Unemployment as Leading Cause of Irregular Migration in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.