Mogadishu’s Bakara Market: A Battleground for Rights and Livelihoods

Mogadishu (AX) — This week, the vibrant heart of Somalia’s economy, Bakara Market, became a stage for intense protests. Merchants are expressing their deep concern over what they describe as forced evictions, part of a troubling trend of illegal land seizures spreading through the city. This situation not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of countless small business owners but threatens the very fabric of the local economy.

In the Bagaash section of Bakara, traders reported receiving orders to vacate their stalls within a mere five days. Imagine running your business in the same spot for decades, only to be told to leave abruptly. One trader, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, shared a poignant reflection: “We’ve run our businesses here for nearly 50 years… Now we’re being told to leave so others can take over. This is land theft—plain and simple.” His voice resonated with the collective anxiety of many who feel their right to earn a living is under siege.

The protests erupted into a larger demonstration on Thursday, as shop owners gathered to call for government intervention. Why are the voices of the very people who sustain this market being silenced? Bakara is not just a marketplace; it is an emblem of resilience for the Somali people, a bastion that has withstood decades of turmoil, from civil war to myriad crises.

This issue is far from isolated. In January 2025, over 90 federal lawmakers issued a strong statement condemning the ongoing illegal acquisition of public land in Mogadishu. They characterized it as “the systematic looting of public property by individuals using their connections in government.” It raises the question: What can be done to ensure accountability in the face of such brazen acts?

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside prominent opposition figures, held a press conference that echoed a sense of urgency regarding “state-enabled land grabbing.” They described this rampant practice as a “betrayal of public trust,” highlighting a profound worry that it poses a threat to urban stability. The overarching narrative aligns: citizens are being displaced while the powerful enrich themselves.

Lawmaker Faiza Jeyte has been remarkably vocal in her criticism of the current evictions. She asserted that such actions not only undermine Somalia’s fragile economic recovery but also contravene constitutional protections of private property rights. “Security forces are tasked with safeguarding citizens, not displacing them,” Jeyte insisted. But what happens when the very forces meant to protect us become instruments of displacement?

Jeyte went on to emphasize the significance of Bakara Market. “This market has survived civil war, bombings, fires, and political instability,” she stated. “To sacrifice it for private gain is unacceptable.” Her sentiments underline the emotional toll these evictions take—not only on the displaced but also on a community that sees itself reflected in the stalls that have long been home to their dreams and livelihoods.

Established in 1972 under the Siad Barre administration, Bakara Market has evolved into the largest open-air marketplace in Somalia, crucial not just for its immediate surroundings but for the entire East African region. Spanning several city blocks in central Mogadishu, it sustains an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 traders and their families. Each stall tells a story—of struggles, triumphs, and an unyielding sense of community. The market provides everything from staple foods and textiles to livestock, khat, construction materials, and medicine. It serves both urban residents and rural communities, acting as a vital commercial lifeline.

Bakara is more than just a space for commerce; it also serves as a de facto financial center. Major money transfer firms, like Dahabshiil, and telecommunications giants, such as Hormuud, have established their roots within its bustling corridors. Notably, the market plays a crucial role in setting informal foreign exchange rates in Somalia’s financially tumultuous landscape. Its significance transcends mere transactions; it is interwoven into the very identity of the Somali people.

Despite enduring decades of upheaval—fires, militia crackdowns, and even strategic occupation during the infamous 1993 Battle of Mogadishu—Bakara has persisted, often without any formal assistance from the state. It begs the question: How much longer can this symbol of resilience withstand the pressures of modern-day greed?

In light of these ongoing challenges, traders are calling for an independent investigation into the current wave of evictions. They are urging the federal government to take definitive action by providing clear legal protections for long-established business owners operating on public land. Transparent governance is their hope, but will it be enough to shield them from ongoing injustice?

As of now, there has been no official response from the Howlwadaag district administration or the Banaadir Regional Police Command, both of which have been cited by protesters and lawmakers as complicit in the recent removals. Silence in the face of such grievances only deepens the wounds within this community.

The struggle unfolding at Bakara Market is not merely about land; it’s about the struggle for dignity, rights, and the right to a livelihood. As we watch this situation develop, it serves as a reminder that the heart of a community often beats in places we might overlook. How we respond will define not just policies, but the lives of those who depend on them.