Somalia’s Leadership divided on banning Kenyan Khat amid renewed Diplomatic row..

Somalia’s President has firmly rejected a proposal from Prime Minister to ban Kenyan miraa khat  imports and expel Kenya’s Ambassador, following Nairobi’s controversial decision to facilitate the transport of Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe—who is under a Somali court warrant—amid an ongoing air blockade in the region, local news reported on Monday…

The two leaders engaged in discussions regarding Kenya’s violation of the Jubaland air blockade and its role in transporting Madobe to Nairobi. However, despite their deliberations, they failed to reach a consensus on an appropriate course of action, Prime Minister Barre, who does not personally profit from the khat trade, advocated for a decisive response, recommending a ban on Kenyan khat imports, the expulsion of Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia, and the recall of the Somali ambassador from Nairobi.

The proposal was met with resistance from President Mohamud, particularly the khat ban, which he sees as a direct threat to a crucial source of personal revenue, While Prime Minister Barre perceived the ban as a strategic means of applying substantial pressure on Kenya and penalizing its actions, President Mohamud viewed it differently, considering the move a significant blow to an industry that is a major economic driver for his family.

Sources within Villa Somalia disclosed that the Somali leadership was unable to reach an agreement on how to respond to Kenya’s actions, leaving many in the upper echelons of the Somali federal government disillusioned and frustrated by the lack of unity and decisive action.

 Historically, the Somali government has frequently resorted to banning Kenyan khat imports during periods of diplomatic tension, particularly when Kenya has sided with the Jubaland administration in disputes with Somalia’s federal leadership.