MOGADISHU (SD) – The major markets in Mogadishu are closed this morning after traders expressed grievances over a newly introduced tax and alleged threats against them.

Traders have decided to go on strike starting today, which is evident as they have shut down their businesses. Key markets like Bakara, Suq Bacad, and Hamarweyne, some of the largest in Somalia, are all closed.

In Bakaaraha, all business premises remain shut, with traders sitting outside their shops, refusing to open until their concerns are addressed.

In a statement released last night, traders in the Banadir region expressed dissatisfaction with Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), accusing it of threatening traders and shutting down businesses. They claim the security agencies have started collecting taxes, which has raised significant concerns.

The traders also accused the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of planning to impose a new tax on traders and manual laborers, as stated in the traders’ statement.

Additionally, the traders raised concerns over a recent directive from the Somali Police Command requiring them to pay for a clearance certificate, which they say adds an unnecessary burden on them.

They announced that they would not accept these pressures and that the markets would remain closed until their grievances are resolved.

This decision comes after several instances where traders were ordered to pay taxes imposed by the Ministry of Finance. In response, traders held protests in Mogadishu to voice their concerns, leading to a resolution reached between the traders and the federal government at the time.

The Somali government has not yet issued any official response regarding the traders’ grievances and concerns in the Banadir region.