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 | | Monday, 30 July, 2001, 10:18 GMT 11:18 UK Kenya bans trading with Somalia  Many Somali imports come from Kenya President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya has once again halted cross-border trade with neighbouring Somalia over ''security concerns''. President Moi complains that weapons flow unchecked across the border into Kenya fueling cattle rustling, robberies and car jackings. It is the second time in two years that Mr Moi has taken such a step and he says Kenya will only deal with Somalia after it installs a legitimate government. Correspondents say the decision will be a blow to President Abdulkassim Salat Hassan's transitional government, which needs the support of regional leaders in the face of continued opposition from warlords. Khat blow The Somali business community back the transitional government, but many of them rely on trading between Kenya and Somalia and will be unhappy with President Moi's decision.
It is grown in Kenya and exported in large quantities to Somalia, where millions are thought to be addicted. Shortages are developing in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and bales of the substance are sitting rotting at Wilson Airport in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Traders have appealed to the Kenyan Government to be allowed to complete current transactions. Border Kenya plays host to hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees, in camps in northern Kenya and thousands more have homes in Nairobi.
President Moi last closed the border in August 1999 after a Kenyan army post was attacked by armed Somalis. The border was reopened in April 2000. | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now:  Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page. | ||
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