Friday November 14, 2025 (HMC) Kenya’s miraa exports to Somalia fell 16.9 percent in the first half of 2025, dropping to 1.7 million kilograms from 2.1 million kilos a year earlier, as rising competition from Ethiopian producers and restrictions in Somalia disrupted shipments, according to the Agriculture and Food Authority.

AFA data shows that February recorded the lowest exports at 199,860 kilograms, while May posted the highest volume at 356,427 kilograms. Exporters say the trade has grown more unpredictable as Ethiopia strengthens its hold in key Somali markets, cutting into Kenya’s long-standing dominance in the region.

The downturn has renewed concerns about Kenya’s heavy reliance on Somalia as its primary miraa market. The sector has faced sustained volatility due to shifting policies in Mogadishu, fluctuating demand, and the growing appeal of Ethiopian suppliers offering competitive prices and faster supply chains.

In response, Kenya has intensified efforts to diversify its export destinations. In July 2025, Djibouti formally opened its market to Kenyan miraa after a series of bilateral missions in late 2024. The agreement requires Kenyan traders to comply with Djibouti’s permit system and product standards. AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyira hailed the deal as “a crucial milestone” for expanding the country’s export footprint.

Kenya’s dependence on Somalia has posed risks in recent years. The country only resumed miraa exports to Somalia in 2022 after Mogadishu lifted a two-year ban imposed during a diplomatic dispute under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. Although trade later normalized, exporters warn that the sector remains vulnerable to political shifts and regional competition.

Source Hiiraan Online

Friday November 14, 2025 (HMC)  Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen called Friday for an immediate halt to the deadly clan clashes in Wala-weyn, warning that a week of violence in the Lower Shabelle district has left multiple people dead, destroyed homes and further destabilized an already fragile region.

The fighting, involving rival local clans, has intensified since last week and has deepened the hardship of communities already struggling with drought, humanitarian needs and persistent insecurity linked to  AS.

Laftagareen condemned the burning of homes and the loss of life, calling the violence “unacceptable” and stressing that the state “cannot afford renewed clan warfare” as it faces overlapping crises.

“I am sending a message of peace to the people of Wala-weyn and nearby areas after the tragic incidents of the past seven days,” he said in a statement.
The president urged traditional elders, religious leaders, youth and women to take an active role in stopping the clashes and to support security forces working to stabilize the district. He said community leaders must act quickly to ease tensions and work toward a sustainable resolution.

Wala-weyn, a key population center in Lower Shabelle, has seen outbreaks of clan conflict, often driven by land disputes, political grievances and competition over local resources. Regional officials say security agencies are coordinating with local leaders to prevent further escalation and restore calm.

Source Hiiraan Online

Friday November 14, 2025 (HMC) The Central Bank of Somaliland has clarified that Premier Bank Somaliland played no part in the Somali federal government’s E-Visa payment collection system.

In a statement issued Thursday, the bank said the E-Visa agreement “was entered into entirely in Mogadishu” and has no connection to Somaliland’s financial system.

The Central Bank stressed that Premier Bank’s Somaliland branch operates strictly under Somaliland’s financial laws and is not part of Somalia’s payment gateway for E-Visa processing.
“The Central Bank of the Republic of Somaliland informs the public that the E-Visa service agreement for Somalia was entered into within Somalia, and Premier Bank Somaliland had no role in that process,” the statement read. The bank added that it is closely monitoring local financial institutions to prevent Somaliland’s financial system from being linked to any services or agreements that fall outside its legal framework.

The bank also warned the public and media against spreading unverified information that could damage the credibility of Somaliland’s financial institutions, saying that anyone involved in illegal financial activities would be held accountable.

The Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the independence and stability of Somaliland’s financial system and encouraged the public to maintain confidence in its institutions.

Mukhtaar Mohamud, Chairman of the Economic Committee in the Somaliland House of Elders, told Bulsho TV that Premier Bank is a private company and cannot be held responsible if its Mogadishu branch handles Somali E-Visa payments.

“I heard Ismail speaking about this recently. Banking is a private business—this is a political issue,” he said. “Our banks such as Dahabshiil, Dar es Salaam, Premier—operate in all Somali-populated areas. We are in conflict with a federal government, not with private banks.”

He accused WorldRemit founder Ahmed Ismail of taking advantage of the current political tensions and warned businessmen against politicizing commercial institutions.

“A bank is a container for money. A branch in Mogadishu cannot refuse if money is deposited,” he said.

Premier Bank Somaliland also defended itself after Ahmed Ismail said earlier this month that the federal E-Visa system was linked to Premier Bank. The bank said it is fully registered under Somaliland law and provides services only within Somaliland, including its payment gateway system.

Business Manager Hussein Hassan Hussein said Premier Bank had no involvement in Somalia’s E-Visa arrangements and noted that Ismail Ahmed “has no evidence” for his allegations.

Somalia launched its mandatory electronic visa and travel authorization system on September 1, 2025, calling it a major step toward improving security screening and financial transparency. All foreign travelers must now apply for a visa online before entering the country.

However, Somaliland and Puntland rejected the system, with Somaliland insisting that only documents issued by its own immigration authority are valid in its territory, while Puntland said the federal E-Visa is “illegal” and that regional governments maintain authority over airport and border procedures.

Source HIIRAan Online