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The Central Bank of Somaliland has firmly denied claims that Premier Bank Somaliland is involved in the Somali federal government’s new E-Visa payment system. In a statement released on Thursday, the bank explained that the E-Visa agreement was created entirely in Mogadishu and has no link to Somaliland’s financial system or any institution operating under its laws.
According to the Central Bank, Premier Bank’s Somaliland branch is registered and regulated strictly under Somaliland’s financial laws. Because of this, it cannot and does not take part in any payment services or agreements made by Somalia. The bank stressed that Somaliland’s financial institutions are closely monitored to ensure they are not connected to external systems that fall outside Somaliland’s legal framework.
The Central Bank warned the public, the media, and business figures to avoid spreading unverified claims that could harm the reputation of Somaliland’s banking sector. It also emphasized that anyone found engaging in illegal or misleading financial activities would be held accountable. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the independence, stability, and credibility of Somaliland’s financial system, urging the public to continue trusting its banks and regulatory bodies.
The debate intensified after public comments from various figures, including businessmen and politicians, who discussed the E-Visa issue and its political impact. Mukhtaar Mohamud, Chairman of the Economic Committee in Somaliland’s House of Elders, spoke to Bulsho TV, explaining that Premier Bank should not be blamed for the Somali federal government’s arrangements. He pointed out that Premier Bank, like many other Somali-owned banks, operates privately across different regions. He said the political tension between Somaliland and Somalia should not be transferred onto private businesses that simply operate where they are legally registered.
Mukhtaar also criticized Ahmed Ismail, the founder of WorldRemit, for making allegations that the federal E-Visa system was connected to Premier Bank. He accused Ismail of exploiting the current political situation and cautioned businesspeople against fueling political disputes through commercial institutions. Mukhtaar stressed that banks are financial service providers, and their branches cannot control where clients deposit their money. He argued that connecting private banking operations to political conflicts is misleading and harmful.
Premier Bank Somaliland also issued its own clarification. The bank stated that it is officially registered under Somaliland law and provides services only within Somaliland. It explained that its payment systems, online platforms, and financial operations are fully separated from those of its branches in Somalia. Hussein Hassan Hussein, the bank’s Business Manager, said Premier Bank Somaliland had no involvement in creating or running Somalia’s E-Visa payment system. He added that Ahmed Ismail’s allegations were unsupported and inaccurate.
Somalia introduced its mandatory electronic visa and travel authorization system on September 1, 2025. The federal government described the E-Visa as a major step toward improving national security and financial transparency. The system requires all foreign travelers to apply online before entering the country. However, the rollout immediately triggered strong reactions from regional governments.
Somaliland announced that it does not recognize the federal E-Visa and will only accept documents issued by its own immigration authority within its territory. Puntland also rejected the system, declaring it illegal and insisting that regional authorities, not the federal government, are responsible for airport and border procedures. These disagreements have added to the wider political tensions between the federal government and regional administrations, especially regarding sovereignty, authority, and administrative control.
The Central Bank of Somaliland’s latest statement aims to distance financial institutions from the political dispute and reassure the public that its banks remain independent, legally compliant, and focused on serving Somaliland’s economy.