A group of female khat sellers has staged a protest by blocking the KM4 road in Mogadishu, which leads to Aden Adde International Airport.
Their demonstration is against increased taxes on khat, specifically Kenya’s “miraa” variety.
The changes stem from the decision to allow only a select few importers to bring Miraa khat into the country, excluding many other businessmen.
This exclusivity has reportedly led to higher taxes, impacting small-scale sellers who rely on affordable access to khat for their livelihood.
The protest highlights the economic strain on these vendors and their demand for fair taxation and access to khat imports.