Boda boda riders defy police directive on road access amid Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam. While bajaji drivers have adhered to the Police Force's directive not to enter the city centre of Dar es Salaam, the situation has been different for some boda boda riders, who have been seen cutting through certain areas.

On January 25, 2025, the Special Police Zone announced the closure of nine roads, alongside the temporary closure of an additional nine, to accommodate the motorcades of various leaders arriving from different countries to attend the Africa Energy Conference. In line with this, the police ordered that both bajaji and boda boda drivers refrain from entering the city centre during the conference.

The conference, taking place in Dar es Salaam from January 27 to January 28, 2025, is expected to be attended by 25 presidents and 60 ministers from various African nations.

However, The Citizen team visiting various locations observed bajaji coming from areas like Kimara and Mbezi, stopping at Jangwani, while boda boda riders were seen cutting through several streets in Posta and Kariakoo, although in smaller numbers.

Some boda boda riders were seen carrying passengers and dropping them off at different locations, including Posta, where several roads were closed to facilitate the motorcades of African presidents attending the conference at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JINCC).

One bajaji driver, Aloyce Mapunda, told Mwananchi that business has been tough since the police announcement, stating there is little activity compared to before.

"The city feels much quieter, unlike Saturdays or Sundays. Now, we’re using torches to find passengers, those who aren’t heading to the city centre. It’s not good for us; by the time this conference is over, we’ll definitely be struggling," Mapunda said.

He added that even ride-hailing services have decreased, as drivers claim there is no work.

"It’s not just us; even those providing ride-hailing services have switched off their phones because they say there’s no work. I don’t know what will happen because the city routes were the most profitable," Mapunda said.

Police patrols

At certain locations leading to the conference venue, police officers have been seen conducting patrols in various areas.

The Citizen observed some officers walking on foot in the streets of Posta, while others were in vehicles, all part of the enhanced security measures.

However, the popular fast-moving vehicles (known as mwendokasi) continued to operate as usual, particularly serving areas within the city, as per usual practice.

Ride-hailing services struggle today

In another development, ride-hailing taxis have become harder to find due to a surge in passengers.

A resident of Magomeni in Kinondoni, Hamad Yussuf, said he tried calling a taxi nearly ten times without success before he was forced to find an alternative way to reach his destination, particularly within the city centre.

Meanwhile, boda boda rider Daud Michael stated he would not be going to the city centre during the two days of the conference, as he could not go against the police order.

"Let those who are going go, I won’t risk it. This will pass, I’ll just endure it rather than get into trouble with the police," Michael said.