Business owners in Mogadishu have shut down their shops in protest against a new 5% sales tax imposed by the Somali government. This tax, which applies to both regular goods and digital transactions, has caused widespread anger among the business community. They argue that the tax will make it even harder to afford everyday necessities...
The Federal Government of Somalia has announced that starting Sunday, August 18, 2024, it will begin directly deducting sales tax. The government has stated that this 5% tax will be automatically withdrawn from business accounts at the time of purchase when a customer makes a transaction, with the sales tax being charged to citizens. “The...
Mogadishu, Somalia – Tensions escalated in Mogadishu’s KM4 crossroads as police clashed with angry protesters for the second consecutive day. The unrest was sparked by Tuk-tuk drivers protesting the Somali government’s recent decision to increase licensing fees from $120 to $200. The drivers, frustrated by the fee hike, blocked major streets in the capital, leading...
The indirect negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara have reportedly collapsed, signaling a significant setback in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute between the two nations. Facilitated by Turkey, the talks aimed to address the controversy surrounding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. Despite...
In Mogadishu, a large protest led by rickshaw drivers erupted following the Somali government’s decision to increase licensing fees. The drivers, angered by the rise in fees from $120 to $200, took to the streets, blocking the main thoroughfare between the airport and the presidential palace. The demonstration quickly escalated, leading to clashes between protesters...
The ongoing negotiations between the governments of Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara, Turkey, have proven to be challenging, with no agreement reached after more than 12 hours of discussions. The talks, which Turkey is mediating, have been paused and are set to resume today. Despite the prolonged negotiations, no consensus has been achieved, but Turkey...
Official talks between Somalia and Ethiopia are expected to commence in Ankara today, concerning a previous agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The Turkish government has organized this meeting to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia. The Turkish government issued a press release stating its commitment to mediating between the governments of Somalia and Ethiopia, with the...
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the inauguration of Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between Somalia and Rwanda. Kagame, who was sworn in for a fourth term after winning 99 percent of the vote, hosted the ceremony at the Amahoro National Stadium, where thousands of Rwandans and international dignitaries...
A massive fire erupted early this morning in Jowhar district, the administrative capital of Hirshabelle, resulting in significant property damage. The blaze, which began at dawn, quickly spread, consuming multiple buildings and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Firefighters were immediately dispatched and worked tirelessly to contain the fire. Their swift response and...
ISTANBUL, Turkey – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday spoke over the phone with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and discussed bilateral ties, as well as regional and global developments, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said. During the call, Erdogan said relations between the two countries were getting stronger every day, the directorate said on X. Erdogan...