Traders in the Bagasha section of the Bakara main market are complaining strongly about land grabbing and displacement, saying they were being forcibly evicted, noting that they had been operating in their businesses for nearly 50 years.
One trader who spoke to the media accused the Somali government of sending armed men to force traders to move from their legal trading areas for many years.
“We are people who have built businesses in this market for a long time. We do not accept being forcibly evicted, saying that the land is being given to other people,” said one of the traders.
The traders were reportedly given five days to vacate, leading to a large protest inside the Bakara market, which is the largest market in Somalia and one of the largest markets in Africa.
This issue was widely discussed by MP Faiza Jeyte, a member of the Somali House of People. She said that the Howlwadaag district administration and the Banadir regional police are the ones responsible for ensuring security, protecting the property and lives of citizens, but they are not involved in the displacement of small business owners.
“If the problem in Bakara is not stopped immediately, the district administration and the regional police will be held responsible. Bakara Market is the source of income for the Somali people, it cannot be replaced by private interests,” said MP Faiza.
She added that the history and value of the market cannot be changed by the interests of private individuals seeking financial gain.
