Madagascar reopens its maritime borders with the Comoros after two months of suspension due to the cholera epidemic. Decided on December 18 in Antananarivo, this measure revives the transport of goods while imposing strict health restrictions, such as a ban on disembarkation for crews. In Moroni, this recovery is a relief, but expectations for a full return to normal remain high.
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With our correspondent in Moroni, Abdallah Mzembaba
Economic players welcome this reopening, while emphasizing that it does not fully respond to current challenges. Hamidou Mhoma, elected to the Chamber of Commerce: “ We, as the private sector, what we would most expect is the total opening of borders, including air borders. The blockage of air transport has a huge impact on trade, the movement of goods and people with enormous economic consequences, so we are impatiently awaiting the opening of these air borders to be able to express our joy “.
Potatoes, tarot cards, dried fish, boards and clothes come from Madagascar. Economist Idrisse Salim underlines that this closure affects Comorians as much as Malagasy: “ Both countries are really suffering losses during these weeks of border closures, particularly Madagascar’s exporters who are really the first to be impacted given that Madagascar represents an essential supplier for our islands. During this period, some sellers had to turn to other neighbors such as Tanzania. »
The Comorian Consumer Federation calls on the authorities to review their agricultural strategy to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen bilateral agreements and their respect, highlighting their impact on the Malagasy economy.
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