Somali alcohol smugglers risk life and threats from al-Shabab to meet demand due to poverty.

In Somalia, the demand for alcohol has spurred a dangerous smuggling trade from Ethiopia, despite strict Sharia laws banning its consumption. Smuggler Mr. Diriye recounts his perilous experiences transporting alcohol to Mogadishu, navigating armed checkpoints and facing threats from militias, including al-Shabab. The trade is driven by poverty, with smugglers risking their lives for income, as the lucrative business provides a means of survival amidst dire economic conditions.

October 21, 2024
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