By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Somalia, 17 April 2026 Protests broke out Friday morning in Baidoa as angry residents rallied against businesses accused of refusing to accept the Somali shilling.
The demonstrations, described as some of the largest in recent weeks, saw large crowds gather along major roads, chanting slogans calling for the enforcement of the national currency.
Residents said the protests were triggered by complaints that some traders and money exchangers had refused to accept Somali shillings, making it difficult to access basic goods and services, particularly for low-income households who depend on the currency.
One protester said:“This money was working the day before yesterday, and now we can’t buy anything with it—does that make sense? We need fairness. I cannot work today; the hardship we are facing is severe.”
Local sources confirmed that security forces were deployed in parts of the city to monitor the situation, though no major violence or casualties have been reported so far.
Related articles
Meanwhile, small businesses in the city said they are also under pressure, noting that they have lost a significant portion of customers who rely on the Somali shilling, affecting their daily sales.
A woman selling tomatoes at the market said the situation has directly impacted her business, pointing to a decline in sales and reduced market activity.
The protests in Baidoa come as similar complaints emerge in other cities across Somalia over the rejection of the Somali shilling, raising concerns about monetary stability and public confidence.
Authorities in Mogadishu recently warned that refusing the Somali shilling could be treated as a criminal offence, as part of efforts to enforce the use of the national currency. Administrations in other regions, including Jowhar, have also issued similar directives.
Economists say the growing reliance on foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, reflects deeper structural challenges in Somalia’s financial system, including inflation concerns and weak regulatory enforcement.