Hornpost
Mogadishu – (Hornpost)The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia, in its weekly meeting held today, approved a set of key laws and agreements, including the National Port Strategy and Somalia’s accession to the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), enabling the country to benefit from satellite services and research.
However, alongside these approvals, the government introduced a new measure that is expected to heighten political and economic tensions with Somaliland.
Somalia Introduces E-CTN System Targeting Cargo Through Berbera Port:
According to newly released documents, the Somali government has implemented a system known as E-CTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Number), which requires that all imports and exports passing through Berbera Port be registered, taxed, and monitored through Mogadishu’s electronic platform.
The move is widely viewed as an economic offensive against the Republic of Somaliland, giving the Federal Government full control over commercial data and revenue linked to goods entering or leaving Berbera.
Businessman Ismail Ahmed, who presented documents detailing the new measure, described the move as “a fresh attempt to economically suffocate Somaliland.”
Directive Issued to International Shipping and Export Companies:
A circular issued by Mogadishu to shipping agents and exporters abroad states that:
all cargo taxes must be paid through the E-CTN system, all commercial and cargo data must be submitted electronically to the Federal Government of Somalia,
shipping companies must comply with Somalia’s digital reporting system before arriving at regional ports.
This directive directly affects sailing to Somaliland’s ports, especially Berbera, and could intensify the already strained relations between the two sides.
High-Level Delegation Dispatched to London:
To push the initiative forward, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dispatched a senior delegation to the United Kingdom, including:
Mohamed Ali Nur “Americo”, Director of Mogadishu Port, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, Minister of Ports and Marine Transport
The delegation is scheduled to arrive in London on 21 November 2025 to present and promote the E-CTN system to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for global maritime safety.
A New Flashpoint in the Somalia–Somaliland Dispute:
If fully enforced, the new E-CTN regime would significantly impact Somaliland’s maritime trade, potentially restricting the movement of vessels and goods to Berbera Port.
Maritime analysts warn that the measure amounts to a new form of “maritime checkpoint” imposed by Somalia, designed to assert federal control over regional trade routes.
Prepared:
Hornpost staff Reporter
