Mogadishu’s Bakara market reopens after four-day closure over tax dispute

Bakara Market, Somalia’s largest commercial hub, reopened on Tuesday after being closed for four days following negotiations between federal government officials and the business community.  

The reopening came after discussions between the Banadir Regional Business Council and Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe, led to a preliminary agreement addressing traders’ concerns. 

Market vendors had protested against what they described as excessive taxation and worsening security conditions, which they said were making it increasingly difficult to operate. 

Speaker Madoobe urged business owners to resume operations while acknowledging the challenges that have forced repeated closures of key commercial centers in Mogadishu.  

The closure of Bakara Market has become a recurring issue, with traders frequently shutting down in protest against government-imposed taxes, which they argue threaten their businesses’ viability.