The Federal Government of Somalia has announced a ban on single-use plastic bags in the country, effective from June 30, 2024. The decision was made by the Ministry of Environment and Development, which issued a circular to all relevant stakeholders on Thursday.
The circular stated that the importation and disposal of single-use bags is prohibited throughout the country, and urged all businesses and companies to find eco-friendly alternatives. The ministry also warned that anyone who violates the ban will face legal consequences.
The Minister of Environment and Transformation, Amb. Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoum, said that the ban is part of the government’s efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change. She added that plastic bags pose a serious threat to the wildlife, marine life, and human health, as they are not biodegradable and can accumulate in landfills, oceans, and waterways.
Somalia joins other African countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, that have already banned or restricted the use of plastic bags. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 60 countries around the world have introduced bans or levies on single-use plastics, as part of the global campaign to reduce plastic pollution.
