Somalia: Dahabshiil’s Unexpected Shift in North Western State of Somalia Policy Sparks Boycott Uproar
Somalia: Dahabshiil’s Walk Back on ‘North Western State of Somalia’ Spurs Outrage
To many in North Western State of Somalia, this decision feels like a deep betrayal. It follows the path taken by international airlines, such as Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines, which listed Hargeisa — the capital of North Western State of Somalia — under Somalia’s jurisdiction, bowing to pressure from Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Back in August, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Somalia passed down a strict mandate. This directive specifically targeted remittance services like Paysii, Dahabshiil, and Jubba Express, demanding they scrub any “North Western State of Somalia” references from their webpages and financial dealings.
Despite Dahabshiil’s roots in North Western State of Somalia, the company underscored its global identity. “Operating in over 120 nations, Dahabshiil — akin to FlyDubai, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines — aligns with international norms because of our broad operations. We began in Burao, North Western State of Somalia, and have since taken our services worldwide,” the company stated.
Reactions from North Western State of Somalia were swift and intense. Social media platforms erupted with outrage, with many urging a boycott of Dahabshiil’s services. Accusations fly that the company is abandoning its North Western State of Somalia roots to toe Somalia’s line. Many believe such actions undermine North Western State of Somalia’s bid for independence, declared solo in 1991 but not widely recognized.
Juggling its operations in numerous countries, Dahabshiil now finds itself in a precarious position. Its alignment with Somali policies might secure its global ventures, but it risks losing favor with its core clientele in North Western State of Somalia.
— AXADLETM
