THE UPS AND DOWNS OF KHAT

SAMIRA ALI on a controversial narcotic

The long, hot working day is over and the men of the village begin to retire to the local marfish (khat house), each purchasing a fresh bag of khat as they make their way. Hurrying to the gathering spot in a sunny open meadow, surrounded by palm trees, each sips tea and chews khat leaves, passing the long hours with talk of life, religion, their village…

This idyllic vision of khat consumption in Somalia runs counter to the perception of the narcotic elsewhere in the world. Chewing khat has been a subject of controversy since the increase of east African immigrants to Europe and the USA, where questions are being raised about the health issues, particularly psychological, surrounding the stimulant.

Since the late 1980s, khat imports to the UK have increased dramatically, hence the governmentʼs growing concerns over its use.

But chewing khat in countries like Somalia has been a traditional past time for centuries, much like the evening down the local pub in Britain. Khat plays a dominant role in all male activities in Somalia, including celebrations, marriages and business and political meetings. It is believed to be an antidote to depression and, paradoxically, a trigger of depression among those who become addicted to the drug.

For centuries, khat (celastrus edulis) has been used as a stimulus and to banish sleep and hunger. Users stay up all night reciting verses of the Holy Quʼran and engaging in religious discussion, hence its increasing use in African countries.

With increased Somali immigration to Britain, khat is now sold all over London. There are seven khat houses alone on the Church End estate in Harlesden, where there is a sizeable Somali community.

“We must keep our traditions alive in western society and chewing khat is a way of doing so,ʼ marfish owner Yusuf Ali told me. As you walk along the busy streets of Church End, you can see what he means. Groups of men purchase their bags of khat, while others talk excitedly as they wait for fresh stock to arrive.

A minority of Somali women also chew khat, but in private. “Men and women can chew together if they choose, but are advised to chew separately,” Mr Ali said. As you look around, there is not a woman in sight, only large groups of men, young and old.

Khat has long been considered internationally as one of the less problematic psychoactive plants, but perceptions are changing. Increased khat use among the Somali community has brought attendant psychological problems.

As nearly all Somalis in the UK witnessed tough times during the civil war in their country, an increasing number of people are turning to the drug and being put at risk. “Chewing khat can cause a lack of motivation and you can easily withdraw from daily life,” Mr Ali warned.