Nearly 100 lawmakers from both chambers of Federal Parliament have condemned a government’s decision granting exclusive rights to a foreign businessman, Abu-Yasir, to export Somali livestock.
In a joint statement on Monday, legislators accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of favouring a foreign business person over local Somali traders, who have historically played a significant role in the livestock industry and export sector.
Lawmakers alleged that Abu-Yasir, based in Djibouti, has a history of defrauding Somali traders and exploiting local businesses. “We strongly condemn President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to grant Abu-Yasir, a foreign businessman with a controversial history in Somalia, exclusive rights to export Somali livestock.”
“This is the first time in Somalia’s history that a single individual has been granted control over livestock exports, a critical revenue source for our economy,” the lawmakers emphasized, warning of potential setbacks to the nation’s economic growth.
The lawmakers emphasized that the President’s decision would exclude many Somali traders from fair and free competition, leading to corruption, economic collapse, and job losses for Somali citizens.
Somaliland’s Minister of Livestock, Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, has recently accused the Somali federal government of interfering in livestock exports through the Berbera port and diverting tax revenues to the Ministry of Finance. He rejected the federal government’s decision to award exclusive rights to Abu-Yasir.
Federal Ministry of Livestock has yet to respond to the allegations from members of parliament.
Livestock trade remains a critical revenue source for Somalia and its regions. A World Bank report states livestock exports have injected over $3 billion into the Somali economy over the past five years. Major ports like Berbera, Bossaso, Mogadishu, and Kismayo facilitate the trade.
The report highlighted that in 2023, Somalia experienced a 92% increase in livestock export value, reaching $1.07 billion, compared to $558.4 million in 2022. This marked the highest value of animal exports in the country’s history.
