MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) — The bustling city of Mogadishu witnessed an unprecedented shutdown on Sunday as businesses closed their doors in protest against what they describe as illegal taxation and rampant extortion by government officials and private companies.
The strike comes just a day after the Mogadishu business community issued a statement announcing their decision to halt all business activities in the city until their grievances are addressed.
Bakaro Market, the largest commercial hub in Mogadishu, along with Hamarweyne, Suuq Bacaad, and Madina, were all eerily quiet, with not a single shop open for business. The typically busy streets were deserted, highlighting the widespread impact of the protest.
The shutdown follows a statement released on Saturday by the business community, in which they expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to address their complaints about illegal fees imposed by certain companies and individuals.
“Effective 18-Aug-2024, the business community has resolved to close all shops in the markets of Banadir Region until a permanent solution to their grievances is reached,” the statement read.
In addition to closing their shops, the business community has also ceased the importation of goods through Mogadishu Port and other seaports in the region.
They are demanding the immediate removal of any entities or individuals collecting illegal fees within the port premises.
Furthermore, the traders have agreed to boycott banks that facilitate these unlawful collections, threatening to withdraw all their funds if the situation is not rectified.
The business community has also issued a stern warning to companies handling their goods, stating that any unauthorized charges or mishandling will result in legal action and a loss of trust in those businesses.
The shutdown is already having a severe impact on the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on the bustling markets of Mogadishu for their daily income.
The closure of businesses has left many without work, adding to the growing tensions in the capital.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the matter last night, urging the business community to comply with the demanded fees while acknowledging their complaints. However, his call for compliance has done little to quell the frustrations of the traders.
The shutdown of Mogadishu’s markets comes on the heels of protests by tuk-tuk drivers who have been demonstrating in the streets for the past week against increased taxation and extortion by government officials.
The growing unrest among both traders and transport workers underscores the widespread discontent with the current administration’s handling of economic issues.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond to the escalating crisis, which threatens to further destabilize the already fragile economy of Mogadishu.