Somalia To Allow International Arrivals

Somali ministers have lifted a ban on international flights that was imposed shortly after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in March.

Local media reports that a cabinet meeting, held on Thursday for the first time since the removal of Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, resolved that international flights resume on 3 August.

Information Minister Mohamed Maareye, who doubles as the government spokesperson, made the announcement.

“After a lengthy debate, the cabinet ministers have decided to relax the coronavirus restrictions imposed on Somalia and agreed on the resumption of international flights from 3 August,” Mr Maareye said.

Thursday's meeting was chaired by acting Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled.

The ministers also resolved that schools and universities would resume on 15 August.