Somalia upholds mirra ban

 Somalia has announced on Tuesday that the importation of mirra is still prohibited, according to a press release from the Somali Aviation Authority.

“Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has the honor to inform all the operators that carrying mirra to Somalia is still prohibited, and the policy of the Federal Government of Somalia did not change regarding the transportation of mirra to Somali airports.”

The statement went on to say that planes carrying the stimulant without authorization is illegal.

“Transporting mirra without clearance from SCAA will be considered an unlawful act and violation of Somali airspace. Thus, Somali Civil Aviation Authority would like to strongly advice [sic] all operators to not act on transporting mirra to Somalia until further notice from the Authority.”

Somalia banned mirra exports from Kenya in early 2020 after accusing Kenya of interfering with its internal affairs.

Kenya conservatively estimates the Somali market to be worth half a million dollars a day. Before the ban, At least 15 planes would take off from Nairobi to Mogadishu.

Ethiopian khat has been cleared for import in lieu of the Kenyan mirra.