Somalia suspends Kismayo flights after plane commandeered, escalating federal rift

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Wednesday December 25, 2024

Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) spokesperson addresses the media in Mogadishu

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government has suspended flights to Kismayo after a Halla Airlines plane was forcibly commandeered and flown to an unauthorized destination, escalating tensions with the Jubbaland administration and stranding passengers. The suspension, announced Thursday, marks the latest flashpoint in the long-running feud between Mogadishu and Jubbaland over political autonomy and territorial control.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) detailed the incident in a statement, claiming that the aircraft, en route from Mogadishu to Kismayo, had its communication systems disabled before being redirected to Doolow in the Gedo region.

“This unauthorized seizure endangered the safety of the aircraft and its passengers,” the SCAA said. “As a precaution, flights to Kismayo have been suspended to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”

The move effectively isolates Kismayo, disrupting travel and trade in a city that serves as Jubbaland’s economic and political hub.

Halla Airlines confirmed the incident, with CEO Ismail Barwa describing it as a gross violation of aviation safety protocols. Barwa stated that the crew was coerced into transporting a delegation from Kismayo to Doolow without prior approval.

“Our crew was forced to deviate from their planned route, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on board,” Barwa said during a press briefing in Mogadishu. “We strongly condemn this act and demand accountability.”

Jubbaland officials denounced the federal government’s decision, accusing Mogadishu of exploiting the incident to exert political pressure on the region.

“This suspension is a reckless and punitive measure that hurts ordinary citizens,” said Jubbaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifitah Mohamed Mukhtar. “It’s a repeat of failed strategies that undermine regional stability and trust.”

Mukhtar added that the decision had left travellers stranded, including those seeking urgent medical care and others with critical personal obligations.

At Kismayo airport, dozens of passengers waited in vain for flights, unaware that the suspension had taken effect.

The suspension highlights the deepening rift between Somalia’s federal government and Jubbaland, one of the country’s semi-autonomous states. Disputes over territorial control, resource management, and political representation have frequently brought the two sides into conflict.

In recent years, the federal government has sought to assert greater control over regions like Jubbaland, while local leaders accuse Mogadishu of undermining their autonomy.

This is not the first time political disputes have disrupted travel in Somalia. In previous incidents, flight restrictions have stranded thousands, disproportionately affecting civilians.

The SCAA announced that it would investigate the incident in collaboration with airlines and aviation stakeholders. Officials pledged to restore normal operations once security measures are reinforced.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all flights and passengers,” the SCAA stated. “We are working closely with partners to address this issue and prevent future occurrences.”

Jubbaland has hinted at possible countermeasures, with Mukhtar stating that the regional administration “will issue its own decisions” in response to the flight suspension.

For stranded travellers, the situation underscores the broader human cost of Somalia’s political rivalries. Among those affected are patients travelling for urgent medical treatment, businesspeople reliant on regular flights, and families separated by the sudden halt in travel.

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