Hargeisa – In a firm response to escalating tensions, the government of the Republic of Somaliland has condemned Somalia for what it describes as the deliberate disruption of regional air traffic, vowing to assert full control over its sovereign airspace. The announcement was accompanied by the disclosure that approximately 40% of international airlines have already agreed to adhere to new aviation regulations issued by Hargeisa.
During a high-level briefing for the diplomatic community on Wednesday, a presidential ministerial committee provided foreign envoys and UN agency heads with a detailed account of the dispute.
The committee asserted that the Somali government in Mogadishu “is waging campaigns that undermine peace, democracy, and the very existence of the Republic of Somaliland,” identifying it as the “primary instigator” of the instability affecting flights over the region.
Officials urged the attending diplomats to convey Somaliland’s firm stance to their capitals, warning that Hargeisa is prepared to “take every necessary measure” to counter Somalia’s alleged “malicious plans.”
Foreign Minister Abdirahman Bakaal explained that the briefing aimed to alert the international community to “the conflict and disruption in the airspace caused by the government in Mogadishu,” which he stated is intentionally designed to hinder Somaliland’s progress and stability.
A significant development was announced by the Minister of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, Fuad Ahmed Nuh, who reported concrete progress in enforcing the new airspace policy. “We issued a resolution stipulating that only aircraft from countries granted our permission may transit our airspace,” he declared.
With an average of 90 commercial flights traversing its airspace daily, the government formally notified all operators of the new mandate. Minister Nuh confirmed that “nearly 40% of these carriers have already agreed to comply with Somaliland’s regulations.”
Airlines that did not respond or seek permission were issued a final notice on November 11 to avoid Somaliland-controlled airspace. Nuh confirmed that some carriers have already diverted their routes and indicated that “further measures will be taken” against those who remain non-compliant.
Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi framed the situation as a broader conflict, urging national unity. He called on citizens to “stand together as one people” against what he characterized as a campaign to threaten Somaliland’s peace and stability.
The government reiterated its commitment to transparently informing international partners of any further steps it takes to defend its sovereignty over its air, land, and maritime territories.
Though not formally recognized as a sovereign state, Somaliland has functioned as an independent entity since 1991, operating its own civil aviation authority, airports, and immigration systems.
