Somaliland is making progress on efforts to strengthen its control over national airspace and overcome the constraints associated with its lack of international recognition, with the Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports, Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh, saying positive results are expected in the near future.
The minister said his ministry was pursuing a strategy aimed at enabling the Republic of Somaliland to exercise greater authority over its airspace and secure access to rights and services available to other entities operating under similar circumstances, including Taiwan and Kosovo.
Speaking about the ministry’s ongoing work, Fu’ad said aviation experts consulted after he took office had recommended that Somaliland seek ways to move beyond the limitations imposed by its international status and strengthen its position in managing its airspace.
“When we took over the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the experts we consulted recommended that Somaliland move beyond the stage of non-recognition so that we could exercise authority over our airspace and seek the rights and services enjoyed by entities in a similar situation, including Taiwan and Kosovo,” he said.
The minister indicated that the process was nearing completion, although he did not disclose specific details of the initiatives underway.
He said Somalia was making efforts to preserve its position on the airspace issue, while Somaliland was pursuing its own measures to overcome the challenges it faces.
“Somalia is doing everything it can, and we are also working to do everything possible to overcome this situation,” Fu’ad said.
He emphasised that significant work was progressing behind the scenes, with some efforts remaining confidential, and expressed confidence that tangible results would become evident soon.
“We are making good progress, and many of the ongoing efforts remain confidential. Positive results will emerge before long,” he said.
The minister’s remarks signal Somaliland’s continued efforts to strengthen its position in aviation governance and address the challenges arising from its lack of widespread international recognition. However, he did not provide a specific timeline or outline the precise measures being pursued.