Forces affiliated with Puntland’s Darawish have completely shut the road linking Bosaso and Garowe, citing months of unpaid salaries and other missing benefits. The move comes as Puntland’s already worsening economic situation continues to deteriorate.
Bosaso is Puntland’s main commercial hub and the home of a key port that serves not only the region but also parts of central Somalia.
As a result, the road closure is expected to have a major impact on the movement of people, goods, and trade linked to the port.
Officers speaking on behalf of the forces said they had repeatedly demanded that the Administration led by President Said Abdullahi Deni pay their salaries and address their grievances. They claimed no response was received, and said the closure was intended to highlight their demands.
At the same time, business activity around the Port of Bosaso has reportedly been disrupted for more than a week. Traders and port stakeholders attribute the slowdown to newly imposed fees and additional tax charges introduced by the Puntland administration.
A meeting between officials from President Deni’s administration and Bosaso business leaders, intended to address the road and port closures as well as the complaints over new fees, reportedly ended without a clear resolution.
Officials are said to have tried to reassure traders about the new charges, but many traders rejected them saying the added costs impose a heavy financial burden they cannot bear.
The disruptions have also affected ordinary residents, with the prices of some essential goods reportedly rising.
In recent months, the Puntland administration has faced mounting economic pressures, alongside deteriorating relations with the federal government of Somalia.
Observers link the worsening conditions to increased taxes and fees on businesses, alongside delays in paying salaries for security forces and some workers.
Communities across Puntland are reportedly feeling severe economic hardship and widespread unemployment. As a result, many young people have reportedly turned to migration, while others seek work in Mogadishu or other parts of the country.
Mustaqbal
