Exhausted from his recent trip transporting contraband from the Ethiopian border, alcohol smuggler Guled Diriye slumps in a chair inside a worn colonial-style villa in Mogadishu. Covered in orange dust from the desert, the 29-year-old reflects on his risky profession. Smuggling alcohol is illegal in Somalia, but the demand remains high, especially among young people.
Introduced to the world of alcohol smuggling by a childhood friend, Mr Diriye began his journey from the Ethiopian border to Mogadishu, facing dangers along the way. Despite knowing he is breaking the law, he sees smuggling as a way to support his family in a difficult economic climate.
Navigating through the Somali region and encountering various checkpoints, Mr Diriye faces the constant threat of armed groups and militias. The risks are immense, but the financial reward outweighs the danger for him and other smugglers.
Haunted by the memory of a fellow smuggler who was shot dead during an attack, Mr Diriye continues his dangerous work, driven by the need to survive in a country plagued by poverty and violence. The guilt and trauma of his experiences weigh heavily on him, but he knows that he must continue his journey to deliver the alcohol to Mogadishu.
Despite the dangers and challenges, Mr Diriye and other smugglers press on, risking their lives to make a living in a country where opportunities are scarce and poverty is widespread.