Saturday October 25, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somaliland government has accused the
Federal Government of Somalia of planning a “war” over airspace and air travel,
alleging that the move is intended to sanction the people of Somaliland.
The Minister of the Presidency of Somaliland, Khadar Hussein
Abdi, speaking to the media on Saturday, said that the ongoing “air war”
between Somaliland and the Somali government is being waged to pressure
Somaliland politically.
“It is a shame and a disgrace for the Somali government and
its people that, despite their failed mission, they are trying day and night to
harass Somaliland. It is a big mistake on their part because they claim to want
‘Greater Somalia,’ but in reality, they aim to harass the people of Somaliland
in every possible way,” said Minister Khadar Looge.
The minister blamed Mahmoud Hashi Abdi, Chairman of the
opposition KAAH Party, for transferring full management of Somalia’s airspace
to the federal government, saying that he signed the agreement while serving as
Minister of Aviation and Air Transport in President Ahmed Silanyo’s
administration.
“How did they get the airspace management? We transferred it
to them and allowed them to manage it. One of our own signed that agreement —
the person who signed it is the Chairman of the KAAH Party,” said Minister
Khadar.
“The Chairman of KAAH cannot speak on three issues: the
first is airspace, the second is water, and the third is corruption.”
According to the minister, while Somalia’s airspace was
under international supervision, Chairman Hashi transferred its control to the
Somali government — a decision that he said has led to the current dispute.
Chairman Hashi recently stated that the airspace issue is a test for the
Somaliland government.
The Federal Government of Somalia recently implemented an
E-Visa system, requiring all travelers without a Somali passport — including
those from Somaliland — to apply for a visa before arriving in Somalia.
Somaliland has protested the move, but the federal government insists it
remains the sole authority responsible for the country’s airspace and
immigration matters.