Traders protest eviction order at Bakara Market in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hundreds of traders at Bakara Market, the country’s largest commercial hub, staged a large protest Wednesday after alleging that authorities ordered the market shut and instructed them to vacate the area, sparking fears the land could be handed to wealthy investors linked to the government.

Protesters blocked roads leading into the market, expressing anger over what they described as an attempt to remove long-standing businesses. Demonstrators accused the government of trying to transfer ownership of the land to select private traders.

During the protest, merchants called on the president of Somalia to intervene urgently.

One woman who runs a stall in the market said she would not accept the sale of the market to a particular group, adding that traders were prepared to stand their ground to protect their livelihoods.

Young traders also warned they would resist any effort to force them out of their business premises.

Another vendor, who said she had operated a small business at the market for 28 years, described the possibility of eviction as devastating, noting that the location had long served as her main source of income.

Overall, the traders renewed their appeal for immediate presidential intervention, stressing that the market should remain free from political disputes and vowing not to abandon their trading spaces.

GAROWE ONLINE