MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Mogadishu business community has once again gone on strike this week, protesting widespread extortion and excessive taxation imposed by both the government and Al-Shabaab.
All major markets in Mogadishu remained closed on Saturday, February 8, as traders staged demonstrations against what they described as unbearable financial burdens and growing insecurity.
In a statement issued on Friday, the business community announced their decision to shut down operations in response to escalating extortion.
All major markets in Mogadishu remained closed today as traders staged a protest against excessive taxation and extortion.
In a statement issued yesterday, the #Mogadishu business community announced their decision to shut down businesses in response to what they described as an… pic.twitter.com/7vcWhZmfdG
— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 8, 2025
“The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) began threatening business owners and forcibly shutting down shops under the pretext of tax collection. Meanwhile, the police issued illegal demands for payments. As a result, we have decided to close our businesses,” the statement read.
The closure has severely impacted key commercial hubs, including Bakara Market, the country’s largest business center, as well as Suuq Bacaad, which remained shut over the weekend.
However, small portions of both markets partially reopened by late Monday, according to Kaab TV reporters who visited the area.
Thousands of daily wage earners and small business owners who depend on these markets for their livelihoods have been affected by the shutdown.
When questioned about the crisis on Saturday, Internal Security Minister General Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag deflected responsibility, stating that the issue should be addressed by the Ministry of Finance.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab continues to impose additional levies on businesses in Mogadishu, adding further financial strain on traders who receive no government protection against such extortion.