Puntland Dollarisation Policy Sparks Protests

[Deeq A.]

Galka’yo and Bosaso (PP News Desk) — Demonstrations rocked Bosaso and Galka’yo cities in protest against the Puntland Government policy that instructed customs officers to collect import-export duties only in dollars.

Demonstrators felt let down by the Puntland Government whose policies have been unable to rein in inflation in Puntland. Some demonstrations blocked streets with rocks and burnt tyres.

Demonstrators in Bosaso.

“Who gave Puntland President the authority to make the US dollar the only legal tender when paying duties at the expense of the Somali shilling?” asked one demonstrator in Galka’yo.

All businesses in Puntland refused to accept Somali shilling for transactions following the decree on the use of US dollars for levying tax on imports and exports in Puntland.

Demonstrators in Galka’yo

Yesterday a major Garowe meat and vegetables market was not open for business after traders decided to protest the uncontrollable exchange rate that resulted in runaway inflation in Puntland.

“Puntland Government policies make life difficult for poor people. Only well-off people can buy food and other essential in dollars” said a female demonstrator in Bosaso.

Puntland State Government said it was acting on recommendations of a committee tasked with drawing up plans to deal with the inflation.

© Puntland Post, 2020

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