Wednesday July 15, 2026
Garowe (AX) — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni on Wednesday pushed back against claims that his administration had imposed new taxes on traders using Bosaso port, saying the dispute centers instead on revised service charges for foreign vessels.
Addressing reporters in Garowe, Deni said reports of increased port taxes were false.
He said the government had not added taxes for traders, but had revised fees for services provided at the port as part of a wider drive to develop infrastructure.
“What has been changed are the service fees charged to foreign ships that bring goods to the port, without affecting the official government taxes,” Deni said.
According to Deni, authorities had postponed the fee adjustments because of the country’s economic conditions and the government’s efforts to support traders.
He said Puntland State has placed economic infrastructure at the center of its development agenda, citing ports and roads as vital to expanding trade and production.
“Expanding Bosaso port and improving roads are part of a broader plan to strengthen Puntland State’s economy,” he said.
The president also rejected reports that Bosaso port had closed, saying operations remained normal, with ships docking and fuel loading continuing alongside import and export activity.
He said the closure of some traders’ shops should not be interpreted as a shutdown of the port itself.
Deni urged traders and residents not to be swayed by misleading information, saying his administration remains committed to safeguarding commerce, upgrading Bosaso port and balancing the interests of traders, investors and the public.
“Modernizing ports, airports and roads is important for Puntland State’s economic competitiveness and growth,” he added,
Deni’s comments came as major importers using Bosaso port maintained their strike over the higher port service fees.
The protest has disrupted commercial activity across the city, where some business centers have remained closed for several days.
The Puntland State Non-State Actors Association PUNSAA, has raised concerns about the closure of Bosaso’s markets and the disruption at the port, warning of growing consequences for the economy and daily life.
In a statement Monday, PUNSAA said the market shutdown had reached its third day and disruption at Bosaso port had entered its fourth day.
The association said the interruption to trade and port activity had hit essential services, employment and household incomes, especially for daily wage workers and small business owners.
