Overcoming barriers with accessible transport in Mogadishu
Ismaciil Mohamed Sayid Cali, a 33-year-old resident of Mogadishu, holds a degree in Sharia and Law and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy. He also serves as a national educator, dedicated to inspiring future generations. Yet Ismaciil’s journey has been anything but straightforward. His physical disability made everyday mobility a significant challenge.
“Having a disability is difficult in any context,” Ismaciil explains, “but in Somalia, the obstacles can feel insurmountable. Before I had a wheelchair, I had to crawl to move around. Independence was nearly impossible.”
Barriers to everyday life
Before obtaining his wheelchair, Ismaciil found it extremely difficult to conduct daily activities independently. Even once he had a wheelchair, a lack of accessible infrastructure and limited awareness in the community created ongoing hardships. Security checks at airports and various official buildings were often complicated by his wheelchair. Public buses and other transportation options were rarely adapted for individuals using mobility aids.
“People didn’t understand that my wheelchair was part of my body, an extension of myself,” Ismaciil recounts.
“At airports, for example, we needed to go through entrances or terminals not designed for us, and security procedures sometimes made it even harder. If there was an event in Xalane, I struggled to get around. Boarding public transport vehicles required others to lift me in ways that were unsafe for my health. It felt like every journey was an uphill battle.”
Accessible minivans making mobility easier
Thanks to the Capacity Development and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project, supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and implemented by UNDP Somalia, Ismaciil and others like him now have access to wheelchair-friendly minivans. This development represents a transformative step forward, opening up new possibilities for personal and professional engagement.
“The accessible minivan has changed everything,” Ismaciil says with gratitude. “I can now board without compromising my safety or relying on others to lift me. I can reach locations I never could before, attend events, and participate fully in daily life. It has granted me the freedom and dignity I’ve always strived for.”
Sustaining impact and inclusion
These specially equipped minivans are part of a broader effort by the PWD Project to enhance mobility, dignity, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Somalia. The initiative also distributes wheelchairs, crutches, and white canes, strengthens psychosocial support services, and offers sign language training and other capacity-building measures-all aimed at ensuring no one is left behind.
“I am incredibly thankful to everyone involved in making this transportation solution a reality,” Ismaciil concludes. “It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about regaining control over my life and participating in my community without barriers. This is the Somalia I envision-a place where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
Contact UNDP Somalia to know more about the project or visit our website: https://www.undp.org/somalia
