The Federal Government of Somalia has lifted the one-year-long ban on miraa imports from Kenya.
Somalia had stopped the importation of miraa last year when international flights were suspended due to fear of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, but when international air travels resumed, miraa importation from Kenya was still restricted while a different variety from Ethiopia was allowed into the country.
However, Somalia has imposed certain conditions for the commodity to be admitted in the country which includes traders obtaining import licenses from the government as well as paying the appropriate duties.
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Other demands Somalia gave Kenya ahead of lifting the blockade of miraa import includes:
*Kenya treating them as an equal
*Kenya desisting from interfering with their internal affairs
*Kenya to apologize for airspace violation
*Kenya to allow in goods including fish, rice, sugar, honey, meat and milk.
*Kenya must stop forcing flights from Somalia to make a detour to Wajir for inspection.
However, Kenya’s efforts to look for an alternative market in Djibouti are yet to bear fruits.
