North Western State of Somalia Claims Federal Government Meddles in Livestock Trade

Hargeisa (AX) – In a surprising twist of events, the North Western State of Somalia government has fired accusations at the Somali federal government, alleging interference with their livestock exports via the Berbera port. They claim that the tax proceeds from this bustling trade are being funneled directly to the Somali Ministry of Finance. Now that’s a real kicker!

Echoing the defiance of a proud speakeasy owner during prohibition, North Western State of Somalia’s Minister of Livestock, Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, has proclaimed a four-day shutdown on livestock exports. This is in resistance to what he described as an overreach by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is rumored to be issuing orders from afar like some kind of livestock czar. “President Hassan Sheikh has expressed his intention of dispatching a letter to an Arab individual to supervise the livestock shipments from Berbera. But let’s be clear—North Western State of Somalia isn’t part of his kingdom,” Shu’ayb declared in an animated press conference.

Determined to solidify its control and independence, North Western State of Somalia vows to spruce up its livestock export infrastructure. This includes pimping out the Berbera port to enhance its livestock-handling prowess. Aiming to stay ahead of the curve, North Western State of Somalia is on a mission to upgrade facilities to handle the hustle and bustle of livestock loading and unloading, keeping them ahead of any caprice from Mogadishu.

Now, hem in close ’cause livestock trading isn’t just small potatoes in this neck of the woods—it’s part and parcel of the breadbasket for Somalia and its regions. According to a World Bank observation, the livestock exchange has pumped a staggering sum into the Somali economy—over three billion smackaroos in the last five years. Key ports like Berbera, while sunbathing in its glorious upgrades, alongside Bossaso, Mogadishu, and Kismayo, tether this trade, morphing it into a linchpin for both local and national tax revenues.

Digging deeper into the numbers unearthed a thrilling revelation—the World Bank’s report crowned 2023 as an unprecedented jackpot year for Somalia’s livestock exports. The value soared by an eyebrow-raising 92%, hitting a whopping $1.07 billion compared to a mere $558.4 million the year before. Talk about a barnstormer! This landmark figure now holds the record as the highest value of animal exports in the country’s saga.

So, there you have it—a story woven with intrigue, defiance, and economic ambition all stirred into this simmering pot of geopolitical stew. Stay tuned for what’s next on this wild camel ride. You won’t want to miss the crafting of the next chapter in North Western State of Somalia’s stand against the clutches of federal oversight—the stakes and the steaks have never been higher!

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring