(26 Feb 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Two Somali MPs say they were blocked from travelling to Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubbaland state, by the federal government.
MPs Abdirashid Jire Qalinle and Omar Qalad-diid were briefly detained at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday before being prevented from boarding their flight.
The lawmakers accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of ordering the travel ban. They said airport security officials told them the order came from “higher authorities.”
At a press conference, Mr. Qalinle, who was elected from Jubbaland, accused President Mohamud of “governing with revenge.” “Hassan Sheikh faced similar obstacles in the past, but now he is doing the same out of revenge…We will break the blockade imposed on Jubbaland by force, with the will of the people,” he said.
Mr. Qalad-diid criticized Prime Minister Barre, alleging that the Daarood clan was being politically marginalized. “If any Daarood wants to understand Hamza Barre’s true character, they should look at the sanctions imposed on Jubbaland and Puntland…today, as elected MPs with immunity, we were barred from traveling to our own region. What does that mean for ordinary citizens?” he asked.
The MPs vowed to raise the issue in parliament.
Mr. Qalad-diid also claimed that travelers from Jubbaland faced “humiliating treatment” at Aden Adde Airport, alleging that security personnel forced them into special screening rooms.
The MPs thanked airport security personnel, saying they were treated respectfully and that the staff had indicated the order came from above.
The incident highlights growing tensions between the federal government and Jubbaland, amid ongoing political and security disputes.
Halqabsi News
