Hargeisa (KAAB TV) – The Central Bank of Somaliland has clarified that Premier Bank Somaliland played no part in the Somali federal government’s E-Visa payment collection system.
In a statement issued Thursday, the bank said the E-Visa agreement “was entered into entirely in Mogadishu” and has no connection to Somaliland’s financial system.
The Central Bank stressed that Premier Bank’s Somaliland branch operates strictly under Somaliland’s financial laws and is not part of Somalia’s payment gateway for E-Visa processing.
“The Central Bank of the Republic of Somaliland informs the public that the E-Visa service agreement for Somalia was entered into within Somalia, and Premier Bank Somaliland had no role in that process,” the statement read. The bank added that it is closely monitoring local financial institutions to prevent Somaliland’s financial system from being linked to any services or agreements that fall outside its legal framework.
The bank also warned the public and media against spreading unverified information that could damage the credibility of Somaliland’s financial institutions, saying that anyone involved in illegal financial activities would be held accountable.
The Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the independence and stability of Somaliland’s financial system and encouraged the public to maintain confidence in its institutions.
Mukhtaar Mohamud, Chairman of the Economic Committee in the Somaliland House of Elders, told Bulsho TV that Premier Bank is a private company and cannot be held responsible if its Mogadishu branch handles Somali E-Visa payments.
“I heard Ismail speaking about this recently. Banking is a private business—this is a political issue,” he said. “Our banks such as Dahabshiil, Dar es Salaam, Premier—operate in all Somali-populated areas. We are in conflict with a federal government, not with private banks.”
He accused WorldRemit founder Ahmed Ismail of taking advantage of the current political tensions and warned businessmen against politicizing commercial institutions.
“A bank is a container for money. A branch in Mogadishu cannot refuse if money is deposited,” he said.
Premier Bank Somaliland also defended itself after Ahmed Ismail said earlier this month that the federal E-Visa system was linked to Premier Bank. The bank said it is fully registered under Somaliland law and provides services only within Somaliland, including its payment gateway system.
Business Manager Hussein Hassan Hussein said Premier Bank had no involvement in Somalia’s E-Visa arrangements and noted that Ismail Ahmed “has no evidence” for his allegations.
Somalia launched its mandatory electronic visa and travel authorization system on September 1, 2025, calling it a major step toward improving security screening and financial transparency. All foreign travelers must now apply for a visa online before entering the country.
However, Somaliland and Puntland rejected the system, with Somaliland insisting that only documents issued by its own immigration authority are valid in its territory, while Puntland said the federal E-Visa is “illegal” and that regional governments maintain authority over airport and border procedures.