Wednesday February 12, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Bakara Market, Somalia’s largest
commercial hub, reopened on Tuesday after being closed for four days following
negotiations between federal government officials and the business
community. 

The reopening came after discussions between the Banadir
Regional Business Council and Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden
Mohamed Nur Madoobe, led to a preliminary agreement addressing traders’ concerns. 

Market vendors had protested against what they described as
excessive taxation and worsening security conditions, which they said were
making it increasingly difficult to operate. 

Speaker Madoobe urged business owners to resume operations
while acknowledging the challenges that have forced repeated closures of key
commercial centers in Mogadishu. 

The closure of Bakara Market has become a recurring issue,
with traders frequently shutting down in protest against government-imposed
taxes, which they argue threaten their businesses’ viability.