(13-02-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The dispute over airspace control between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia escalated Tuesday as officials from the Somaliland Civil Aviation Authority levelled serious accusations against their counterparts in Mogadishu.
In response to a statement issued by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, which sought to affirm its control over the country’s aviation sector, Somaliland officials vehemently disputed the claims. The Somali authority had reassured the international community of its unyielding oversight of the “MOGADISHU FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR),” a designation that has been in place since the 1960s. They also highlighted Somalia’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards, proudly referencing the country’s Class-A Airspace status, indicative of the highest level of air traffic safety.
The controversy was ignited by remarks from Omar Sayid Abdullahi, Director of the Aviation Authority of Somaliland, during a press briefing. Abdullahi accused the Somali government of monopolising the control of airspace for the past six years, thereby excluding Somaliland from its rightful management role. He noted that initial agreements for joint management of the airspace had been unilaterally disregarded by Mogadishu, with operational equipment intended for Somaliland being stationed in Baidoa, South West Somalia, instead.
Abdullahi further alleged that the Somali government had misappropriated approximately $60 million of funds entitled to Somaliland. He also condemned the recent cancellation of flights to Hargeisa as a violation of Somaliland’s air sovereignty.
In a striking declaration, Abdullahi stated that Somaliland would no longer accept any interference from the Somali government in its airspace, mentioning that a complaint had been submitted to the United Nations. He asserted that moving forward, any disruptions in air traffic control between the two territories would be the sole responsibility of the Somali government, accusing it of exploiting the situation for its political gains.
This aviation dispute highlights the deeper sovereignty issues that have strained relations between Somalia and Somaliland, with the latter having unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991—a status not recognised by Mogadishu or the international community. The ongoing conflict over airspace management reflects broader challenges in achieving a peaceful and cooperative resolution between the two entities.
Halqabsi News
