Somalia Orders Remittance Firms to Recognize Only Somalia, Bans Somaliland Usage

Mogadishu, Somalia - In a move to assert its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Somalia's Ministry of Commerce has issued a directive to major remittance companies operating within its borders, including Dahabshiil, Juba Express, and Paysii.

The order, effective from September 1, 2024, mandates these firms to cease using the term "Somaliland" in all their services and websites, replacing it with "Somalia."

The directive, which follows similar actions by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority towards airlines, underscores Somalia's stance on its territorial unity. This decision was announced just a day after Ethiopian Airlines and FlyDubai complied with an ultimatum to list Hargeisa as part of Somalia on their booking platforms, effectively recognizing it under Somalia's jurisdiction rather than as part of the self-declared republic of Somaliland.

The Ministry's statement emphasized that failure to comply would be considered a "blatant violation" of Somalia's sovereignty. This action is part of broader efforts by the federal government to challenge the international recognition and operational autonomy of Somaliland, which has functioned independently since 1991 but remains unrecognized by any country or major international organization.

The remittance sector, vital for Somalia's economy with billions sent annually by the diaspora, now finds itself at the center of the current tension between Ethiopia and Somalia over the Somaliland Sea MoU. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on how these companies will adapt to the new directive. 

GAROWE ONLINE