This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Kenyan miraa traders are up in arms after Somalia turned back a cargo plane carrying 13.6 tonnes of khat to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, citing a ban on miraa imports to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to Nyambene Miraa Traders Association (Nyamita) chairman Kimathi Munjuri, the cargo plane was turned back on Saturday despite having received clearance to leave Nairobi and deliver the highly prized commodity to Hargeisa.
Mr. Munjuri stated that the cargo plane had overflight and landing clearance from Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority, but was denied entry into Somalia due to the country's ban on miraa imports.
The incident occurred despite Somaliland declaring unilateral independence in 1991, and the issue of air traffic control remaining unresolved between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Mr. Munjuri decried the slow pace of the Foreign Affairs ministry to address the trade stalemate with Somaliland, and expressed concerns that traders' losses would run into Sh8 million if the khat is not delivered on time.
On June 23, Somaliland withdrew all Covid-19 restrictions, including public gatherings and international flights.
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