Government rejects Saudi condition imposed on export of Somaliland livestock during Hajj season

Hargeisa, June 25 (Somtribune): The Republic of Somaliland, categorically, rejected a new proviso the Saudis have added to the usual list of conditions check-listed against Somali livestock export to the Kingdom for Udha obligations during the Hajj season, less than two months away.

The Saudis, the Somaliland Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Hassan Mohamed Ali ‘Gaafaadhi’, revealed, Monday, have succumbed to the wiles and machinations of Somalia-born brokers and the weak federal government of Mogadishu, introducing a new, unacceptable condition for Somaliland and Somaliland livestock exports.

“The Saudi Kingdom has given permission for export of Somaliland livestock to the Kingdom during the Hajj season, This time around, though, it has introduced an additional condition which says that livestock entering its country must be ultimately certified by the Somalia Federal Government,” the Minister revealed.

Minister Gaafaadhi further stated that such a condition had not existed before and had come on the behest of Somalia-born individuals masquerading under broket agencies whose aim is to make profits off Somali livestock export.

“The Republic of Somaliland had never accepted before an imposition such as this one and, of course, it will never accept it on any pretext. No exporter holding such a certificate will be permitted to use our ports,” he said.

The Minister added that the Saudis need be reminded that Somaliland and Somalia were neighbouring countries and independent of one another same as any other two countries in the region.

“Somaliland is not prepared to sacrifice its restored independence and sovereignty for export of livestock heads to Saudi Arabia that is only seasonal and short-living,” Minister Gaafaadhi said.

The Republic of Somaliland has sided with the United Arab Emirates and the Saudi Kingdom during its break with Qatar in 2017. The Federal government of Somalia, on the other hand, hedged and dodged and said it will take a neutral stand although time, later, exposed its true lining and complete support of Qatar against the Gulf allies.

This Saudi condition has clearly placed the Kingdom behind Somalia claims of sovereignty over a Somaliland it had never owned but which had, mistakenly, went into an unconditional union with it in 1960 – a union that has been nullified by the 1969 military coup of General Siyad Barre.

Somtribune