Monday May 18, 2020
HARGEISA (HOL) - Puntland and Somaliland have lifted the ban on import of the leafy stimulant khat following a month-long suspension of trade in the product.
The two administrations had separately banned the import and trade of the product in April following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities in Puntland even confiscated and burned khat which had been smuggled into the state last month.
Statements from both Puntland and Somaliland said traders could now be allowed to import khat from Ethiopia but must adhere to health measures regarding COVID-19.
The announcement from Somaliland came as it marked 29th anniversary since it declared self-rule from Somalia in 1991.
Meanwhile Puntland Monday announced it would further relax restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations.
The state said it would ease movement of persons and opened its borders which it closed last month. Over 130 people have tested positive for COVID-19.