Hargeisa (Hornpost) The opposition Kulmiye party has accused President Cirro’s government of failing to come up with plans to counter Somalia’s decisions regarding the airspace issue.
in this press release Kulmiye has made these recommendations to the Somaliland government.
A press release issued by Kulmiye Party Spokesperson Mustafe Abdi Essa Shine stated the following:
The opposition party KULMIYE has strongly criticized the Somaliland government for what it described as failure, confusion, and lack of action in response to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the electronic visa (e-visa) system recently imposed by the fragile administration in Mogadishu.
According to the party, the introduction of Somalia’s e-visa has disrupted business travel, investment, and tourism—particularly affecting members of the Somaliland diaspora, who form a vital pillar of the nation’s economy and development.
The confusion and restrictions linked to this system have impacted citizens, diaspora returnees, and foreign visitors to Somaliland, with hundreds of travelers being denied boarding at international airports each day. Some of those affected have spent large sums purchasing second tickets after being turned away, only to face further challenges upon arrival in Hargeisa—where their grievances go unheard and their suffering unacknowledged.
The statement added that the government has yet to present a clear plan to address the issue. Despite speeches by the President, the Minister of the Presidency, and the Minister of Civil Aviation, none have outlined practical steps to counter Somalia’s e-visa policy or protect Somaliland travelers.
KULMIYE Party calls on the government to urgently:
Establish an independent e-visa system managed by Somaliland to regulate travel and immigration affairs.
From a joint national taskforce led by the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Foreign Affairs, and Immigration to coordinate all travel-related operations.
Launch a 24-hour Traveler Support Hotline (phone/WhatsApp) and provide official email and website services to assist travelers facing visa and airport-related difficulties.
Publish multilingual Traveler Guidelines (in Somali, English, and Arabic) explaining the correct travel and visa procedures for entering Somaliland.
Notify IATA and ICAO of Somaliland’s independent visa policy to prevent airlines from issuing incorrect visa requirements to passengers.
Conclusion:
The Somaliland public expects its government to take practical and effective measures to safeguard citizens stranded at international airports and uphold the nation’s sovereignty in regulating travel.
Mustafe Abdi Iise (Shiine)
Spokesperson, KULMIYE Party.
Hornpost staff Reporter
