Mogadishu, Somalia – A wave of protests swept through Mogadishu’s historic Hamar-Weyne market on Wednesday as hundreds of traders closed their shops in defiance of a government directive requiring them to submit private bank account information to the Ministry of Finance. The usually bustling market, one of Somalia’s oldest and busiest commercial centers, was eerily quiet, with stalls shuttered and streets nearly deserted.
The traders, many of whom rely on daily sales for their livelihoods, say the ministry’s demand violates their right to financial privacy and could expose them to unnecessary scrutiny or harassment.
The Ministry of Finance recently intensified effort to formalize tax collection and improve transparency across the private sector, arguing that linking business operations to verified bank accounts helps curb tax evasion and strengthens fiscal accountability. However, the policy has faced resistance from small-scale traders who operate largely in cash and say they lack trust in the government’s handling of personal data.
By mid-morning, protest leaders said the closure would continue until officials met with representatives from the business community to discuss their grievances.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response, but sources within the finance ministry indicated that the directive is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing Somalia’s tax system and aligning it with international standards.
For now, the heart of Mogadishu’s commercial life remains at a standstill. The closure has already begun to affect surrounding neighborhoods, where residents depend on Hamar-Weyne’s markets for food, clothing, and daily essentials.