Mogadishu Traders Protest Against Excessive Fees Amid Market Shutdown

Mogadishu Traders Protest Against Excessive Fees Amid Market Shutdown

The main market in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district has been closed for three consecutive days as traders protest new fees imposed by the Federal Government of Somalia. Business owners claim these additional charges are excessive and not in line with the legally mandated taxes.

According to traders, the Ministry of Finance’s revenue department recently introduced fees that amount to hundreds of dollars per business. Many shop owners, particularly those in mobile phone and accessory sectors, say they cannot afford these sudden financial burdens.

The protest has caused significant disruption in the local economy. With several shops closed, residents are unable to access essential goods and services, and the flow of daily commerce in Hamarweyne has been severely affected.

Traders insist the fees are illegal and have no basis in Somali tax law. Some have publicly appealed to the Federal Government to reverse the decision and relieve them of the additional financial pressures.

Security forces reportedly restricted journalists from documenting the closed shops, preventing photos and videos. This move has fueled tensions, as traders argue it is an attempt to suppress public awareness of the dispute.

The standoff between traders and the government remains unresolved. If the closure continues, experts warn it could harm not only small business owners but also the broader economic stability of Mogadishu.