Somalia Tailor Caught Sewing Money, Sparks Online Outrage

A video clip of a Somali tailor sewing torn banknotes into new notes is now causing a huge debate all over social media.

The video shows a tailor carefully joining torn banknotes back together again, an action which some users argue is symptomatic of bigger problems in the monetary system of Somalia.

This particular issue attracted many comments from users in different parts of the world, with many people wondering how the central banking system of Somalia functions and whether it can actually print money.

One user, @hoodohaybe1, summed up the situation perfectly when she said: “This is the money in the Somalia state sewn by tailors because the central bank does not produce new currency. These are the same notes since Siad Barre fell. The central bank does not work, but even without printing money, Somalia says it has sovereignty.”

Increasing Debate on Monetary Stability

The video clip has sparked greater debates on the topic of monetary policy and economic stability in Somalia.

Although some opponents brought up the apparent absence of new currency production, other opponents rebutted by explaining that merely producing money does not solve other problems within the economy.

According to User @Rafael67206: “Production and minting aren’t that crucial since many countries produced their currencies from presses elsewhere. The real issue is keeping it stable and controlling inflation.”

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Polarization in Social Media Reactions Emerges

Polarized reactions emerged rapidly, with some people criticizing while others supported the endurance of Somalia despite being faced with difficulties for decades.

As stated by one user @Egeh: “No wonder Somalia is tagged as the most failed country, most corrupt and home to all fraud in the world.”

Nevertheless, some people were opposed to such statements, arguing that their moral and cultural superiority was better than economic shortcomings.

According to @ghostddog: “We don’t have banknotes but our morality will always be with us while yours would sell off its own soul in exchange for recognition from allah’s enemies.”

Also Read: Kenya Tightens Mobile Money Privacy as CBK Approves M-Pesa Masking

Practical Concerns Regarding Everyday Economic Life in Somalia

In addition to the ideological debate, there were also practical concerns regarding the functioning of such a system on an everyday basis, which @SammiKlaus expressed through the question: “If the money is worthless, how does he get paid?”

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President Hassan S Mohamud of Somalia during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State
Image/EAC/X