Civil Society Warns Bosaso Shutdown Threatens Livelihoods as Port, Markets Remain Closed

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BOSASO: Puntland’s umbrella civil society organization has voiced alarm over the prolonged closure of Bosaso’s markets and commercial activities, warning that the ongoing strike could trigger rising prices, shortages of essential goods and deepen economic hardship for thousands of families.

The Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) said it was “deeply concerned” that Bosaso’s markets and trading centres had remained closed for a third consecutive day, while operations at the Port of Bosaso entered their 14th day of disruption.

“The situation has a direct impact on the economic, business and social life of the community,” PUNSAA said in a statement, noting that the shutdown has disrupted access to jobs, income and essential services for thousands of people who depend on daily commercial activity.

The civil society group warned that the poorest households, particularly those relying on daily wages and informal employment, were bearing the brunt of the disruption. It cautioned that a prolonged suspension of trade through Puntland’s main commercial hub could lead to inflation, shortages of essential commodities and increased financial pressure on residents across the region.

Public Interest

PUNSAA called on the Puntland government, traders, Bosaso port management and all parties involved in the dispute to put the public interest first and work towards a lasting solution that would allow normal business and port operations to resume.

The appeal comes as negotiations continue between Puntland authorities and the business community over a dispute that has paralysed trade in the region.

The strike began after traders protested new taxes and port charges imposed on imported goods passing through Bosaso Port, arguing that the measures significantly increase the cost of doing business at a time of mounting economic pressures. Merchants have also accused authorities of preventing imported cargo from leaving the port unless the additional charges are paid, resulting in a growing backlog of goods.

In response, traders shut down wholesale and retail markets across Bosaso in solidarity with the protest, while port operations have been severely disrupted for nearly two weeks. Talks between government officials and business representatives have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

Bosaso Port is Puntland’s largest and most important commercial gateway, serving as a key entry point for food, fuel, construction materials and consumer goods destined for Puntland and parts of central Somalia. Business leaders have warned that prolonged disruption at the port could interrupt supply chains, drive up the prices of basic commodities and weaken economic activity across northeastern Somalia.

The dispute comes as Puntland grapples with growing fiscal pressures, including reduced external financial support and increased spending on security operations against Islamic State militants in the Calmiskaad mountains. Economists say resolving the Bosaso standoff quickly will be critical to preventing wider economic disruption in Puntland and beyond.