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The government of the Republic of Somaliland has accused Somalia of deliberately disrupting regional air traffic operations and pledged to safeguard its airspace sovereignty. The statement comes as nearly 40% of international airlines have begun complying with new flight regulations issued by Hargeisa.
During a high-level meeting held Wednesday in the capital, a ministerial committee appointed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro briefed foreign diplomats and heads of UN agencies on the escalating airspace dispute with Somalia. “The Somali government is waging hostile actions that undermine peace, democracy, and the very existence of the Republic of Somaliland,” the committee told attendees, describing Mogadishu as the “primary instigator” of the disruptions affecting regional flights.
Somaliland urged international representatives to convey its position to their respective capitals and warned that it would “take all necessary measures” to counter what it called Somalia’s “malicious interference.” Foreign Minister Abdirahman Bakaal said the briefing aimed to update the international community on “the ongoing airspace conflict caused by the government in Mogadishu,” which he alleged seeks to obstruct Somaliland’s stability and development.
Minister of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Fuad Ahmed Nuh announced significant progress in enforcing Somaliland’s airspace control. “We have resolved that only aircraft granted explicit permission may transit Somaliland’s airspace,” he said.
According to Nuh, about 90 commercial flights cross Somaliland’s airspace daily, and nearly 40% of them have agreed to comply with the new regulations. Airlines that failed to respond were notified on November 11 to reroute away from Somaliland-controlled zones, with some already doing so. “Further measures will be taken against non-compliant carriers,” Nuh warned.
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Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi characterized the dispute as part of a broader campaign by Somalia to destabilize Somaliland. He called for unity, urging citizens to “stand together as one people in defense of the nation’s sovereignty.” The government reiterated its commitment to keeping the international community informed of any additional steps taken to protect its sovereignty over its air, land, and sea territories.
Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has maintained de facto independence since 1991, operating its own government institutions, including an aviation authority, airports, and border control systems.