Somalia’s Dominance in Livestock Trade Provokes Calls for Responsibility and Transparency

Mogadishu (AX) — Turbulent Waters for Somali Government Amid Livestock Export Fiasco

Lately, Somalia’s government has been caught in a whirlpool of scrutiny. Folks are up in arms over allegations that one foreign mogul has grabbed the reins on Somalia’s livestock exports. This shake-up, viewed by many as throwing a wrench into the livelihoods of millions, has ignited a blaze of criticism and raised red flags about the nation’s economic sovereignty.

A gaggle of nearly 100 from Somalia’s Federal Parliament have sounded the alarm in a statement. Their beef? They claim this decision throws a colossal monkey wrench into the domestic livestock trade, an economic cornerstone of Somalia.

"For the first time in Somalia’s chronicles, one person wields such control over a critical economic artery," they penned, warning this could lead to corruption, economic upheaval, and millions losing out in the industry.

Now, this fellow, Abu-Yasir—a controversial figure with a colorful past in Somalia—is accused of having previously twisted the arms of local traders and businesses. Lawmakers argue this snubs Somali entrepreneurs, casting a shadow over herders, traders, and transport workers.

MP Mursal Mohamed Khalif chimed in, acknowledging the ripples of disturbance among Somali traders. “Livestock is our economy’s lifeblood. This spells trouble for countless livelihoods,” he shared with the BBC.

Though government accountability took a backseat due to a parliament recess, Khalif assured that once back in session, officials, including the Minister of Livestock, would be called to the carpet. He added, “Should the government falter in providing clear answers, expect legal and constitutional recourse.”

This brouhaha isn’t just a Somali affair; it spans into North Western State of Somalia as well. Local traders there have reported a two-week bottleneck in exports, accusing the government of giving Abu-Yasir the exclusive nod to export to Saudi Arabia.

Around 80,000 livestock find themselves in a sticky situation at Berbera port, potential casualties of an export standstill. Traders predict an economic domino effect if this mess isn’t sorted out. “This monopoly jumbles the whole supply chain, leaving families without their bread and butter,” Ibrahim lamented.

Abdirisak Mahmoud Ibrahim, a trader from North Western State of Somalia, spotlighted the toll this decision has taken. “It’s knocked out our supply chain—from herders to truck operators. Families are losing their sole income source,” he stressed.

That export embargo has left about 80,000 livestock at Berbera port, with traders wary of the widening economic fallout.

North Western State of Somalia’s Livestock Minister, Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, lashed out at the Somali federal powers, accusing them of dithering with regional exports and siphoning off tax revenues. He rejected the monopoly, stressing it undermines North Western State of Somalia’s sovereignty and economic footing.

Livestock is a cash cow for Somalia’s economy, contributing about $1.07 billion annually, with Saudi Arabia being the main buyer. As per the World Bank, livestock exports have injected over $3 billion into the economy over five years.

Traditionally, livestock has accounted for 80% of Somalia’s export revenue, supporting a whopping 60% of the populace. Yet now, there’s a real fear that this so-called monopoly might shake up this vital industry.

The export standstill has left herders high and dry, unable to sell livestock to buy essentials like grub and water. The wider industry, from brokers to truck drivers, are watching their livelihoods vanish into thin air.

Despite the uproar, the Federal Ministry of Livestock has yet to pipe up about these allegations.

Locally, meetings have brewed among traders and transport operators in places like Hiiraan. Calls for an end to this monopoly reverberate, highlighting the economic and social quagmire at hand.

The situation urges decisive government involvement, laying bare the large-scale impact and the pressing need for action in restoring Somalia’s treasured economic backbone.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring