Bosaso Port Archives - Kaab TV

Bosaso Port, Markets Reopen After Puntland Tax Deal

Staff Reporter — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 15:43:03 +0000

The Puntland government and business leaders in Bosaso have reached an agreement ending a nearly three-week tax dispute that forced the closure of Bosaso Port and much of the city’s commercial activity, bringing one of the region’s most significant economic standoffs to an end.

Both sides announced on Saturday that they had made concessions to resolve the dispute, paving the way for the immediate reopening of Bosaso Port and the city’s markets.

The agreement follows weeks of negotiations after traders suspended operations in protest against what they described as excessive taxes and port charges imposed by the regional administration.

As part of the deal, the Puntland government said it had significantly reduced the port handling fee managed by the UAE-based operator DP World.

The charge, which had previously been set at $8 per metric ton (MT), has been reduced to $1 per metric ton. Authorities also announced that taxes on several essential commodities would be lowered in an effort to ease pressure on businesses and consumers.

Despite the breakthrough, uncertainty remains over whether traders will lower the prices of goods that surged during the prolonged shutdown.

The closure disrupted the supply of imported commodities, contributing to a sharp rise in the cost of living across Puntland, where Bosaso serves as the region’s primary commercial hub and gateway for imports through the Gulf of Aden.

The Puntland Civil Society Organizations Network (PUNSAA) welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step toward restoring economic stability.

The organization urged both the government and the business community to ensure that the benefits of the agreement are passed on to consumers rather than maintaining inflated prices.

In a statement, PUNSAA called on both parties to prioritize support for vulnerable communities that have been hardest hit by the economic disruption.

It also emphasized the need to keep the prices of essential goods affordable, particularly as recurring drought conditions continue to place additional strain on rural households and low-income families.

The dispute began after traders accused the Puntland government of introducing additional taxes and port charges that they argued were unsustainable for businesses.

They warned that the increased costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers, worsening the already rising cost of living.

The reopening of Bosaso Port is expected to restore the flow of imports and commercial activity, although the full economic impact of the nearly three-week shutdown may take time to reverse.

PUNSAA also urged the government and the private sector to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust, saying continued collaboration is essential for economic growth, stable public services, and maintaining confidence in Puntland’s markets.

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Bosaso–Garowe Highway Blocked as Port Shutdown Hits Day 13

Staff Reporter — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:04:14 +0000

Puntland’s economic and security challenges intensified on Monday after armed Darawiish forces blocked the Bosaso–Garowe highway, the region’s principal trade corridor, over months of unpaid salaries, adding further strain to an economy already reeling from the continued shutdown of Bosaso Port.

Darawiish troops established positions along the highway in the Faluuja area of Carmo district, preventing the movement of vehicles, passengers, and commercial goods.

The soldiers are demanding the immediate payment of overdue salaries and allowances, which they say have remained outstanding for several months.

The troops, who reportedly withdrew from combat positions in the Almiskaad Mountains about a week ago, have deployed military vehicles and heavy weapons to enforce the road closure.

The highway blockade marks the latest dispute over unpaid wages involving Puntland’s security forces. The protesting soldiers have vowed to maintain the closure until their financial demands are met. Neither Puntland authorities nor senior military officials had issued an official response at the time of publication.

The disruption comes as Bosaso Port, Puntland’s largest commercial gateway, remains closed following a dispute between DP World and local traders over newly introduced service charges and tax increases.

The port has remained shut since July 1, after traders rejected the additional fees imposed by the Dubai-based port operator. DP World has not indicated any intention to reverse the measures, prolonging the standoff and leaving commercial operations at the port suspended.

Bosaso Port serves as the primary entry point for imports and exports destined for Puntland and parts of central Somalia.

Business groups and economic analysts have warned that the prolonged shutdown could interrupt supply chains, increase the cost of essential commodities, and place further pressure on the regional economy.

In solidarity with the traders, many businesses across Bosaso have also suspended operations, affecting the availability of food, fuel, medicine, construction materials, and other basic goods.

Traders have repeatedly accused DP World of maintaining high operating costs while failing to deliver the infrastructure upgrades and modernization promised under its management agreement.

Similar disputes have occurred in the past, including a major confrontation in 2017 that triggered widespread protests and resulted in at least one fatality.

The latest developments coincide with mounting financial difficulties facing the Puntland administration, which is projected to face a 32.4% budget deficit in 2026.

The shortfall has raised concerns over the government’s ability to finance public services, infrastructure projects, and salary payments for public employees.

The regional government’s financial constraints have already led to repeated complaints from security personnel and civil servants, many of whom say they have gone months without receiving their wages.

The crisis also unfolds against the backdrop of continuing political tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu.

In January 2026, Somalia’s Federal Government announced the cancellation of its bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including those related to the management of the ports of Bosaso, Berbera, and Kismayo.

Puntland rejected the decision, insisting that it retains authority over the Bosaso port agreement.

Puntland officials have accused the Federal Government of attempting to undermine the region’s autonomy through the dispute.

Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor has previously alleged that the federal administration is directing significant resources toward destabilizing Puntland, saying regional security priorities have increasingly shifted toward countering what he described as political interference.

With the Bosaso–Garowe highway remaining blocked and Bosaso Port still closed, pressure is mounting on Puntland authorities to resolve both disputes.

Prolonged disruptions to the region’s main transport and trade routes are expected to worsen shortages of essential goods, accelerate inflation, and place additional strain on Puntland’s fragile economy, while further exposing the broader political and financial challenges facing the region.

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Bosaso Business Shutdown Enters Second Day

Staff Reporter — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:09:08 +0000

Businesses across Bosaso remained closed for a second consecutive day on Saturday, while the city’s commercial port entered its 12th straight day of closure, as a dispute over newly introduced port fees continued to disrupt trade and economic activity across Puntland.

Officials and representatives of the business community are expected to hold talks in Bosaso later today in an effort to resolve the standoff.

Traders have rejected new charges introduced by DP World, the company managing Bosaso Port, arguing that the fees will increase the cost of doing business.

The Puntland government, however, maintains that the charges are lawful and necessary to improve and modernize the port’s infrastructure.

The prolonged closure has disrupted the movement of imported goods through Bosaso Port, one of Puntland’s main commercial gateways, affecting the supply of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential commodities.

Residents across Puntland are already reporting rising prices for basic goods, raising concerns that the economic impact could worsen if the dispute remains unresolved.

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Bosaso Businesses Come to a Standstill as Port Shutdown Enters 11th Day

Staff Reporter — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:06:52 +0000

Businesses across Bosaso, the commercial hub of Somalia’s Bari region, closed their doors on Thursday as the economic impact of the Bosaso Port shutdown deepened, with operations at Puntland’s busiest seaport suspended for an 11th consecutive day.

Traders say the closures are in protest against newly imposed government tax measures, arguing that the additional levies place an unsustainable burden on businesses and will ultimately drive up the cost of goods for consumers.

They have called on the Puntland government to review the tax policy and engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute.

The prolonged closure of Bosaso Port has significantly disrupted the movement of imports and commercial cargo.

As Puntland’s primary maritime gateway, the port handles shipments of food, fuel, medicine, construction materials, and other essential commodities destined for Puntland, other parts of Somalia, and neighboring Ethiopia.

Dozens of cargo trucks remain stranded outside the port, while commercial vessels carrying imported goods are reportedly anchored offshore awaiting clearance to unload.

The disruption has raised concerns among traders over mounting financial losses, supply chain delays, and the potential for shortages if operations do not resume soon.

Business leaders warn that a prolonged standoff could have wider economic consequences, including rising prices of essential goods and increased transportation costs across Puntland and beyond.

So far, Puntland authorities have not announced a breakthrough in negotiations to end the dispute and reopen the port.

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Somalia and Saudi Arabia Reach Agreement on Port Development and Bilateral Cooperation

Staff Reporter — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:33:53 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Governments of Somalia and Saudi Arabia have reached a multi-sector cooperation agreement, with a strong focus on the development of ports. The agreement was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport of the Federal Government, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur, and his Saudi counterpart, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

According to a joint press release issued by the two Ministers of Ports from the governments of Mogadishu and Riyadh, Somalia and Saudi Arabia agreed to collaborate on port development, exports, investment, exchange of expertise, and all matters related to this vital economic sector.

The agreement is expected to enhance the efficiency and productivity of Somalia’s ports while creating new business opportunities and opening doors for increased investment, as stated in a release from the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport of the Federal Government of Somalia.

Previously, Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a similar agreement between their Ministries of Defense. That agreement included strengthening military capabilities to address potential threats in maritime areas, including the Indian Ocean and other strategic sea routes.

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Bosaso Port Employees Barred from Entering the Port This Morning

Staff Reporter — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:36:52 +0000

Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – Operations at the Port of Bosaso completely came to a halt this morning after DP World issued an urgent order affecting all port workers, resulting in no activity taking place at the port today.

Multiple sources we contacted confirmed that DP World ordered all port employees this morning to purchase special uniforms that will be required for work from now on. The cost of this uniform is nearly 100 US dollars. It is worth noting that port laborers (dockworkers) cannot wear helmets, as they are manual carriers who transport goods on their heads.

DP World also issued another new decision today. Previously, port workers used work ID cards that were renewed every six months. However, they were informed today that the card validity has been changed to one year, with a fee of 14 US dollars. This issue had previously sparked protests by port workers opposing the decision.

Meanwhile, there are 14 workers who have already been notified that they will be completely dismissed from their jobs starting at the beginning of the new year, 2026.

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