“PAID RIDES”

Resistance of informal transport operators

ends in confrontation with the police in the city of Maputo 

Operators of informal passenger transport, known as “Boleias Pagas”, on Avenida Julius Nyerere, Maputo City, continue to resist pressure from municipal authorities to halt activities and, on the morning of Tuesday (1 July), organised a peaceful protest against alleged persecution and attempted expulsion by the authorities.

The demonstration, which was initially peaceful, quickly turned into a conflict when law enforcement arrived on the scene and ordered the protesters to disperse. The drivers' resistance led to the police intervening, using tear gas to contain the group. At least one person was injured and several arrests were made.

According to the protesters, the “paid rides” activity has been the only source of income for dozens of families, especially in a socioeconomic context marked by unemployment and the high cost of living. “We founded this transport system as a viable alternative to respond to the poor supply of public transport. Now they want to take the bread out of our mouths, without even listening to us,” declared one of the protest organizers.

The transporters claim to have received notifications from the Municipal Police classifying their activity as illegal. However, they guarantee that they are in the process of legalization and have already submitted all the necessary documentation to the competent authorities. “We are not against the law. We just want to be allowed to continue working while the legalization process is underway,” appealed another protester.

In turn, the Municipality of Maputo claims that the activity of paid passenger transport without a license constitutes a violation of current legislation and compromises the safety of users. Sources close to the Municipal Police indicate that the operation was only intended to ensure compliance with the law and that any use of force was a response to resistance encountered on the ground.

Despite the confrontation, the drivers say they do not intend to back down. They demand that the Municipality open up dialogue, immediately suspend repressive measures and create a clear, accessible and transparent process for legalizing the service.

Meanwhile, civil society and some legal experts are calling for a balance between law enforcement and the protection of citizens’ socio-economic rights. “We need to ensure that combating informality does not further aggravate families’ vulnerability.”