Somaliland Defies Somalia's Directive to Remove Its Name from Remittance Services

HARGEISA, Somalia — In a defiant stance against Somalia's recent mandate, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has categorically rejected a directive from the Federal Government of Somalia that requires remittance firms to remove all references to "Somaliland" from their services. The directive, seen as an assertion of Somalia's sovereignty over Somaliland, has escalated tensions.

The order, issued by Somalia's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, targets prominent remittance companies like Paysii, Dahabshiil, and Jubba Express, demanding they eliminate the use of "Somaliland" by September 1. Somalia's government insists this step is crucial for maintaining its territorial integrity, with potential legal repercussions for non-compliance.

President Bihi, speaking at the opening of a new prison in Hargeisa, dismissed the directive as ineffective, stating, "President Mohamud, who cannot even secure his residence in Mogadishu without international troops, is issuing directives to prevent Somaliland's planes from landing and banks from operating under our name." He further emphasized that such actions would not undermine Somaliland's sovereignty.

Ali Hassan Mohamed, Somaliland's Information Minister echoed the president's sentiments, warning companies that adhering to Somalia's directive would be considered an affront to Somaliland's independence. He stressed that Somaliland would take measures against any entity complying with the order.

The Waddani Party, an opposition group in Somaliland, also criticized the directive, expressing concerns that it could lead to increased conflict between the two regions.

This latest development comes after Somalia successfully pressured Ethiopian Airlines and FlyDubai to list Hargeisa as part of Somalia on their booking platforms, further highlighting the ongoing sovereignty dispute between Somaliland and Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE