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For a third consecutive day on Monday, Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district remained tense and unusually quiet as traders kept their shops closed in protest against what they say are unfair and unlawful tax demands introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia. The normally busy market, known for its packed stalls, crowded alleyways and steady flow of customers, has turned into a scene of shuttered doors and frustrated business owners who say they are being pushed to a breaking point.
According to several traders who spoke to local media, the Ministry of Finance’s revenue department recently imposed new fees that go far beyond the standard taxes they have always paid. Many described the charges as sudden, unclear and financially unbearable. Some shop owners said the amounts demanded now reach hundreds of dollars per business—figures they insist have no basis in Somalia’s official tax laws or any recognized regulatory framework.
Mobile phone shops and businesses selling accessories appear to be among the hardest hit. Their stalls, usually filled with customers buying or repairing phones, have stayed locked since the protest began. Some traders said they were forced to close simply because they could not meet the unexpected financial demands, while others chose to close in solidarity, hoping collective action would pressure officials to reconsider the new fees. The closures have caused a noticeable slowdown in the district, which relies heavily on daily commercial exchanges for income, transportation and community activity.
Tensions rose further when security forces reportedly blocked journalists from filming or photographing the closed market. Media workers attempting to document the situation were allegedly ordered not to record any visuals, a move that shocked many traders who felt the government was trying to hide the extent of the shutdown. For many business owners, the restrictions added to their worries, deepening concerns that the issue might escalate instead of moving toward a solution.
One trader, who asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation, expressed the community’s growing sense of despair. He explained that traders have always paid their legally required taxes and are willing to continue doing so, but the newly introduced fees are simply too heavy. According to him, they seem to come directly from certain individuals within the Ministry of Finance rather than from a transparent government policy. This lack of clarity has left traders confused about what is expected of them and anxious about the future of their businesses.
The group of traders is now calling on the Federal Government to step in, remove the disputed fees and restore order to the market. They say they want accountability and fairness, not unpredictable financial pressures that could force small businesses to collapse. Many warned that if the issue continues unresolved, the impact will go beyond their individual shops. They fear prolonged closures will weaken the local economy, drive customers away from Hamarweyne, and discourage investment in a district that depends heavily on steady trade.
For now, the standoff continues with no clear progress reported. Market stalls remain locked, business owners stay home or gather in small groups to discuss their next steps, and the entire district waits for a decision from the government. The traders insist they are ready to reopen as soon as the disputed fees are removed, but until then, Hamarweyne remains at a standstill, caught between economic pressure and a demand for justice.