Republic of Somaliland’s government has accused Somalia of deliberately disrupting regional air traffic and vowed to defend its airspace sovereignty, as nearly 40% of international airlines have already agreed to comply with new flight regulations imposed by Hargeisa.
In a high-level meeting held Wednesday in the capital, a ministerial committee appointed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro briefed diplomats from foreign embassies and heads of UN agencies on the escalating airspace row with Somalia.
“The Somali government is waging wars and engaging in actions that undermine peace, democracy, and the very existence of the Republic of Somaliland,” the committee told the diplomats, adding that Mogadishu is the “primary instigator” of the chaos affecting flights over the region.
The government urged the international representatives to relay Somaliland’s position to their respective capitals and warned that Hargeisa will “take every necessary step” to counter what it described as Somalia’s “malicious plans.”
Speaking at the meeting, Foreign Minister Abdirahman Bakaal said the purpose was to update the international community on “the conflict and disruption in the airspace caused by the government in Mogadishu,” which he claimed is aimed at obstructing Somaliland’s progress and stability.
Minister of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Fuad Ahmed Nuh announced a significant milestone in enforcing Somaliland’s airspace control. “We issued a resolution stating that only aircraft from countries that have our permission may transit our airspace,” he said.
On average, 90 commercial flights cross Somaliland’s airspace daily. According to Minister Nuh, all operators were formally notified of the new requirements, and “nearly 40% of those aircraft have agreed to comply with Somaliland’s regulations.”
Airlines that failed to respond or apply for permission were given notice on 11 November to reroute away from Somaliland-controlled airspace. “Some have already diverted,” Nuh confirmed, warning that “further measures will be taken” against non-compliant carriers.
Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi framed the dispute as part of a broader Somali campaign against Somaliland’s peace and stability. He called for national unity, urging citizens to “stand together as one people” in the face of external threats.
Somaliland reiterated its commitment to keeping the international community informed of any additional steps taken to protect its sovereignty over air, land, and sea borders.
Despite lacking formal recognition, Somaliland has maintained de facto independence since reclaiming its sovereignty from Somalia 1991 and operates its own aviation authority, airports, and immigration systems.