Despite a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags, Somalia continues to grapple with the pervasive presence of plastic waste.
While the government has taken steps to curb plastic pollution, challenges in implementation and enforcement have hindered progress.
The ban, implemented in October 2023, aimed to address the growing environmental crisis caused by plastic waste.
However, many local businesses and consumers continue to rely on plastic bags due to their affordability and convenience.
“We are using these bags because they are cheap and people can afford them,” said Abdikarim Hassan, a local grocer.
“Everybody knows the negative consequences, but we don’t have a cheap alternative.”
The government has acknowledged the challenges in enforcing the ban, citing the need to phase out existing stocks of plastic bags.
Authorities have urged businesses to adopt more sustainable alternatives, such as paper bags, but the higher cost of these options poses a significant barrier for many.
Environmental activists and concerned citizens have called for stricter enforcement of the ban and increased public awareness campaigns.
They emphasize the long-term consequences of plastic pollution, including harm to marine life and ecosystems.
As the world grapples with the global plastic pollution crisis, Somalia’s efforts to reduce plastic waste offer a case study in the challenges faced by developing countries.
While the ban is a positive step, sustained efforts are needed to ensure its successful implementation and to promote sustainable alternatives.