Khat shortage is reported in Somaliland for the second day running

[Deeq A.]

HARGEISA— Khat prices have skyrocketed for the second day running in Hargeisa, Somaliland capital.

Reports of Khat being taken by the consumers led to police intervention to maintain the order. It is said that  the price of the khat has hiked from the usual price of Sh 200,000 per kilogram to Sh600,000, Consumers have gathered outside the market posts where Khat is sold have showed their anger against the price hike.

Reports of clashes between Oromo and Somali ethnics in Ethiopia have halted the Khat trade which is brisking business in Somaliland. The Somaliland authority also recently increased taxes levied against Khat imported from Ethiopia which is transported by vehicles that cross the border town of Wajale, linking Somaliland to Ethiopia.

Millions of dollars are spent on daily day basis for the Khat imported from Ethiopia and is consumed in Somaliland which is a strain and a drain to Somaliland economy. According to one Khat consumer who spoke to local television has said that the Khat price has gone up from 5 dollars to 15 dollars and added that the city will remain standstill if Khat is not available. One resident who hails from Mogadishu and has showed his anger against the Khat price which has risen said that he moved from Mogadishu due to high Khat price but added that if Khat in Hargeisa hikes then he would return to his hometown, Mogadishu, the war torn capital of Somalia. Another Hargeisa resident who expressed the growing anger against the Khat price which has risen said that the govt has to intervene and come up with fixed price. Somalis across the Horn of Africa is addicted to the widespread of the narcotic plant which has impacted in terms of health and economy. Once tension arises between Oromo-Somali communities, the Khat business trade which used to happen smoothly is disrupted.