The recent decision by Somalia’s federal authorities to impose an E-Visa requirement on all flights to Somaliland represents yet another unnecessary escalation in an already strained relationship. This move does not promote peace, progress, or regional cooperation undermines them.
For years, Somaliland has stood firm as a beacon of stability, governance, and democratic values in the Horn of Africa. Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland’s achievements in maintaining peace, conducting free elections, and fostering development have earned it growing respect from the international community.
It is no coincidence that this E-Visa decree comes at a time when Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach to the United States, Europe, and the UAE has gained new momentum. Rather than responding with engagement or constructive dialogue, Mogadishu has chosen to weaponize airspace and travel regulations, a tactic that only highlights the fragility of its institutions and its fear of Somaliland’s success story.
A Misguided and Counterproductive Decision
The imposition of E-Visas on people traveling to Somaliland by Somalia is not about security or policy modernization; it is a political reaction rooted in insecurity. This decision does nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Somalis on either side of the border. Instead, it hinders travel, trade, and family connections, hurting Somaliland diaspora businesses and ordinary citizens who depend on the free movement of goods and people.
Moreover, this action represents a clear violation of Somaliland’s sovereign right to administer and control its own airspace, a right it has exercised responsibly for decades. Until the legal separation between Somaliland and Somalia is formally and legally resolved through international mechanisms, Somalia has no legitimate authority to unilaterally impose aviation or visa restrictions on Somaliland. Such actions only deepen mistrust and further complicate efforts toward peaceful coexistence.
As President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro rightly stated, “Somaliland is not an enemy of Somalia nor we hate Somali people, nor does it seek conflict with its brothers.” Somaliland’s vision is one of peaceful coexistence, economic development, and deeper engagement with the global community. The future belongs not to those who build walls, but to those who build bridges.
A Call for Strategic Thinking
Rather than escalating tensions through bureaucratic obstacles, Somalia’s leadership should embrace a new strategic mindset, one grounded in regional cooperation and shared prosperity. The Horn of Africa faces immense challenges: climate change, unemployment, insecurity, and migration. These issues demand coordination, not confrontation.
Somaliland, for its part, must continue to strengthen internal cohesion, institutional development, and national unity. Our greatest asset lies in our stability and our ability to solve disputes through dialogue and democratic processes.
At the same time, I fully support the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air Transport of Somaliland in pursuing legal and diplomatic channels to challenge this unjustified E-Visa policy. Somaliland’s response should remain principled, lawful, and rooted in international norms.
Moving Forward
Somaliland’s success has never depended on recognition from Mogadishu, it has come from the hard work, resilience, and vision of its people. Let us not be distracted by provocations or short-sighted policies. Instead, let us continue investing in education, infrastructure, technology, and governance, because that is where our true strength lies.
The world is watching. And the message Somaliland must send is clear: we seek peace, progress, and partnership not provocation.
By Engineer Ahmed Abdi Abdlahi Chairman, Waddani Party of Minnesota-USA