Legislators Criticize Granting Exclusive Livestock Export Rights to Overseas Businessman
Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal
In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia’s Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country’s livestock.
In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner’s interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the business and cultural landscape of Somalia’s livestock industry. Their beef? Abu-Yasir, stationed in Djibouti, has a track record scarred with allegations of swindling Somali merchants and squeezing out local operations. “President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s latest decision to hand over exclusive livestock export rights to Abu-Yasir, a businessman embroiled in prior controversies in Somalia, is outright outrageous,” the lawmakers voiced.
They further accentuated the gravity of the situation by noting, “In the history of Somalia, never before has a single individual had a monopoly over livestock exports—an industry that’s the backbone of our economy.” This unprecedented move risks shackling the country’s economic stride.
Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, North Western State of Somalia’s Minister of Livestock, joined the chorus of opposition, assailing the federal government’s breach into livestock exports channeling through Berbera port. There’s a bone to pick, as he claims tax revenues from these exports are being funneled to Somalia’s Ministry of Finance—a move he rejects.
The lawmakers underscore that the president’s call sidelines numerous Somali traders from engaging in a fair, open market, paving the way for corruption, economic deterioration, and unemployment woes for Somali people. They stress that allowing a foreigner control over such a crucial sector could jeopardize local traders’ livelihoods.
Adding fuel to the fire, Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed doubled down on his previous statement, drawing attention to the Somali federal government’s meddling in livestock exports via Berbera port and misdirecting associated tax revenues to their Ministry of Finance—reiterating his disapproval of the exclusive grant to Abu-Yasir.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Livestock remains mum on the legislative accusations.
Given the vital role of livestock trade in Somalia’s economy, this is a contentious issue. According to a World Bank report, livestock exports have funneled a colossal $3 billion into Somalia’s economy in the last five years. Ports such as Berbera, Bossasso, Mogadishu, and Kismayo are at the heart of this booming trade, playing a critical role in amplifying local and national tax coffers.
For instance, 2023 saw an astounding 92% leap in the value of livestock exports, peaking at $1.07 billion, up from $558.4 million in 2022—a historic high for the country. This surge stands as a testament to the pivotal role livestock plays in bolstering Somalia’s economic framework.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
