Truckers Protest Port Monopoly in Mukalla, Yemen

Truck drivers and haulers in Yemen's Hadramaut province are protesting alleged monopolization of cargo transport within the Mukalla port, accusing authorities of restricting access to specific traders and their affiliated trucks, thereby threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of families.

The drivers stated that entry into the port and the loading of goods have become exclusive to a select group of trucks, while other transport sector workers are barred from their operations. They described this as a discriminatory practice that violates principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

They asserted that this system has deprived a significant number of drivers of their right to work, transforming the Mukalla port into a facility that serves the interests of a particular faction at the expense of other transport sector workers.

The drivers called for an end to all forms of monopoly and discrimination within the port, advocating for a rotation system in loading and transport operations to ensure equality among all drivers, free from any interference or exceptions.

They held the Transport Office and the Land Transport Affairs Regulatory Authority responsible for their perceived silence on these transgressions, urging competent authorities to fulfill their legal duties, enforce the law universally, and guarantee equal opportunities for all in the sector.

The drivers also demanded an urgent investigation into the practices that have allegedly deprived many of their rights and income, and called for accountability for those responsible.

They emphasized that their demands are not for special privileges but for the guarantee of their legal right to work freely, fairly, and equally. They appealed to the Governor of Hadramaut for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis, ensure justice for the drivers, and protect the primary source of income for hundreds of families dependent on the transport industry.