Somaliland is managing its airspace competently, government asserts
By M.A. Egge
The government of Somaliland has stated that the scandalous Somalia E-visa scare is now a thing of the past. It also warned Somalia not to interfere with the country’s airspace hence accept the fact that Somaliland manages its own aviation matters.
It has at the same time established that the Somaliland Visa on Arrival (VoA) Policy is now fully fledged and operational in both international airports of Berbera and Egal in Hargeisa.
The revelations were made at a presser on Saturday by the task force team on aviation issues constituted by the President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
The team comprises of the ministers of aviation, interior, foreign affairs and presidency.
Speaking to the press, the Minister of Aviation Hon. Fu’ad Ahmed Nouh made it clear that the challenges posed by the E-visa is now a by-gone case and henceforth the Somaliland Visa on Arrival policy is in place and smoothly operating at the county’s both international airports.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland Hon. Abdiraxmaan Daahir Adan (Bakaal), stated that the government is jointly advancing efforts to secure full control of Somaliland’s airspace, with the process now reaching its final stages.
The minister noted that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air Transport has undertaken major steps toward assuming full management of the country’s airspace — measures that are progressing as planned.
According to Minister Bakaal, his ministry has submitted comprehensive reports and evidence to countries across the world, demonstrating that Somaliland independently administers its international airports and that Somalia has no jurisdiction over Somaliland’s airspace. He added that Somaliland has fully proven its capability in ensuring aviation safety and passenger security.
The minister further emphasized that international diplomatic engagement will continue to ensure that Somaliland’s airspace management becomes fully sovereign.
He also warned of risks related to citizens’ data potentially falling into the hands of unverified groups, cautioning foreign governments to distance themselves from Somalia’s E-Visa system, which he described as a process marred by corruption.
“Working in coordination with all sectors of the Somaliland government, we have addressed the complex situation surrounding the airspace. The Ministry of Aviation has taken major steps toward assuming full control of Somaliland’s airspace, and that process is progressing as intended.
He continued,”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has used diplomatic channels to brief governments around the world on Somaliland’s situation. We presented evidence proving that Somaliland administers its international airports, and that the Mogadishu government has absolutely no authority over them. Our submission demonstrated that Somaliland has full capability over airport administration, flight safety, and passenger security. Diplomatic engagement will continue as we work toward full control of Somaliland’s airspace.”
Minister Bakaal added that Somalia must desist from Somaliland’s airspace management, and reiterated warnings to international partners regarding the risks posed by Somalia’s E-Visa system.
On his part, the Somaliland Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development Hon. Fu’aad Axmed Nouh, announced that the E-Visa challenge that had been in effect until yesterday has now ended. “Beginning today, travellers to Somaliland will obtain visas upon arrival at the Hargeisa and Berbera airports”, he said.
“We inform the public that the E-Visa issue that existed until yesterday has now ended. Starting today, visas for entry into Somaliland will be issued on arrival basis at the Berbera and Hargeisa airports, in accordance with Somaliland’s regulations,” he said.
He noted that the issues of air transport were sensitive and that the nation of Somaliland has adhered to the international rules and codes in line with the nation’s constitution.
He pointed out that the Mogadishu government of Somalia should wake up to reality and acknowledge the fact that Somaliland fully manages its own airspace.
He made it clear that this is the second time that the Mogadishu administration has tried in futility to disrupt the aviation matters in Somaliland.
He said that earlier this year in April they tried to block international flights to Somaliland and the latest infringement is on their scandalous e-visa saga.
He noted that the government of Somaliland has been able to triumph and overcome both impediments through diplomatic and technical means.