Businesses remained closed, in protest, on Sunday in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. The traders went on strike against illegal taxation and rampant extortion by government officials and private companies. On Saturday, Mogadishu business community, in a statement, announced to go on strike. “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, on Sunday, ceased the import of goods through Mogadishu Port and other seaports in the region. The business community is demanding the immediate removal of any entities or individuals collecting illegal fees within the port premises.
The traders refuse to pay the newly imposed 5% sales tax by the regime, announcing. These business owners are protesting not only against this sales tax but also against the illegal fees they are forced to pay at Muqdishu Port by private individuals allegedly affiliated with government.
The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh addressed the matter on Saturday, 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 business community has not announced when the strike will end.
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