Confusion Over Somalia’s Airspace Control Raises Questions About Government Consistency
The Somali government says it controls all Somali airspace, yet when issues arise in Puntland, it claims no responsibility. The question remains — when are they telling the truth?
Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia has claimed full control over the country’s airspace, requiring everyone entering Somalia — including Somaliland and Puntland — to use the electronic visa (e-Visa) system.
However, when reports emerged that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was using Puntland as a base to support rebel groups fighting in Sudan, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the federal government had nothing to do with it and that it was under the authority of Puntland’s President Said Deni.
This contradiction has raised a major question: if the federal government truly controls Somalia’s entire airspace, how can it deny responsibility for activities taking place in Puntland?
Many Somalis are now asking — when is the government telling the truth: when it claims full control of the skies, or when it says some regions act independently?
SomalilandEmbassy.com