Kenya: Former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim Calls for Reopening of Kenya-Somalia Border

27 May 2022
Capital FM (Nairobi)

Garissa — Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Farah Maalim, has called for the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border in Wajir and Mandera counties to facilitate cross border trade between the two countries.

Government shut down the border close to four years ago, as part of the security operations against Al-Shabaab terror group operating from the Somali side.

Apart from security, there were also concerns about drug trafficking and smuggling of counterfeit goods from across the borders.

Maalim, who is contesting for the Dadaab Constituency seat in the coming General Election said there is need to relook at the decision and allow cross border trade, establish customs offices in the border areas to levy taxes.

"The opening of the Kenya-Somalia border is not an option. We shall push for that and make sure it remains open," Maalim said.

"We can create a border economy and be in a position to eliminate cross-border insecurity. Currently, there is no sharing of pastures, economic resources or security intelligence between the two sides because the border is closed," he added.

The former Legislator said that the opening of the border will support the integration in the greater Horn of Africa, thus important for the economy of the country.

Among the border points that were closed include Liboi, El-Wak, Diff and Hamuma in Wajir. - Kna

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2022 Capital FM. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.