The Jubbaland State Government has strongly criticized what it described as a “reckless and dangerous” decision by Somalia’s Federal Government after a plane carrying members of Jubbaland’s advance delegation and the private security detail of President Ahmed Mohamed Islam was turned back mid‑air from Aden Adde International Airport on Saturday.
According to Jubbaland authorities, the aircraft departed from Sayid Mohamed Abdille Hassan Airport in Kismayo with full prior notification provided to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, the federal security agencies, and the organizing committee of the upcoming consultative conference in Mogadishu.
However, as the plane approached Mogadishu airspace, Jubbaland says federal authorities unexpectedly issued an order instructing the aircraft to return to Kismayo—without verifying whether it had sufficient fuel for the return journey. Jubaland officials described the move as “an act of irresponsibility that endangered lives and demonstrated open hostility.”
In a related development, Jubbaland reported that two additional civilian aircraft were also denied landing permission in Mogadishu airspace on the same day, further heightening concerns about escalating tensions and disruptions ahead of the anticipated national consultative summit.
Jubbaland accused the Federal Government of deliberately undermining the Mogadishu consultative conference, saying the latest actions reflect a lack of commitment to resolving the political impasse facing the country.
The state administration insisted that no joint committee decision had been reached regarding restrictions on the number of security personnel or accompanying delegation members travelling with the Jubbaland President. Jubbaland dismissed as “false and baseless” any reports suggesting an agreement on these matters.
Despite the complications, Jubbaland reaffirmed its dedication to pursuing peaceful dialogue and contributing to lasting solutions to the nation’s ongoing political challenges. The state, however, warned that the latest disruptions raise serious concerns about the Federal Government’s reliability and willingness to provide a secure and cooperative environment for national discussions.
