Hargeisa – (Hornpost) The Government of Somaliland has officially briefed international diplomats and representatives in Hargeisa about what it described as “an airspace war launched by Somalia”—a sharp escalation in the ongoing dispute over control of Somaliland’s airspace and aviation management.
In a meeting attended by foreign envoys and international organization heads based in Hargeisa, Senior Somaliland officials, led by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdillahi Dahir Bakal and Presidential Affairs Minister Khadar Hussein, and Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Fuad Ahmed Nuh held a briefing in Hargeisa with ambassadors and representatives of international missions based in Somaliland, detailing Somalia’s recent actions regarding the control and management of Somaliland’s airspace and outlined what they called repeated provocations by the Mogadishu administration.
Government Message to the International Community:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdillahi Daahir Bakaal said the meeting was convened to “formally notify the international partners” of Somalia’s escalating interference and to highlight its implications for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
“Our objective was to inform them of the airspace war Somalia has launched against Somaliland,” Bakaal stated. “Somalia is determined to obstruct our democracy, peace, and self-reliance. We made it clear that Somaliland will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and to prevent Somalia’s malicious intent from succeeding.”
He added that Somaliland would continue to brief the world on “the reckless and hostile steps being taken by Somalia,” emphasizing that “this is not a time for internal divisions — we must stand united.”
Presidential Minister’s on Somaliland’s Airspace Stance:
Presidency Minister Khadar Hossein reiterated that Somaliland is fully in charge of its own airspace management, stressing that air traffic permissions must now come through Hargeisa or Berbera—not Mogadishu.
“Our message is clear: Somaliland controls its skies,” he said. “We have told the world that Somaliland now manages its own airspace. Flights over Somaliland will not receive clearance from Mogadishu — only from Berbera and Hargeisa. Any airline or entity that ignores this will not receive any services from us, any aircraft flying over our territory must seek clearance from our authorities. Somalia has no legal or operational authority here.”
Presidential Affairs Minister Khadar Hussein reinforced the government’s stance, saying the briefing also aimed to inform the Somaliland public about the airspace situation in his remarks said, “We are in a confrontation that requires unity and resilience,” he said. “The world must understand that the people of Somaliland are steadfast in protecting their statehood. Somaliland was not built through negotiation or appeasement — it was achieved through sacrifice.”
Operational Measures Taken:
Aviation Minister Fuad Ahmed Noh confirmed that Somaliland has already implemented directives to assume full operational control of its airspace, in line with government orders.
“We have executed the government’s directive to take over airspace management,” he noted, suggesting that the move includes direct handling of flight coordination, clearance, and monitoring across Somaliland’s 850 km Red Sea corridor—a zone known for its strategic and secure air routes.”
Aviation Minister clarified Somaliland intend to cooperate with international partners “We are ready to cooperate with all partners who respect Somaliland’s sovereignty — but we will not accept any directives coming from outside our jurisdiction.”
Analysis: Strategic and Security Implications
The latest development marks a significant turn in the long-standing dispute over airspace management between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
Somaliland’s decision to enforce its authority over an 850 km stretch of the Red Sea coast gives it a crucial geostrategic advantage, controlling one of the safest and most commercially important flight corridors linking Africa to the Gulf and Asia.
Analysts say this move could give Somaliland:
Strengthening Somaliland’s claim to functional sovereignty in international aviation.
Increase regional attention on the Horn of Africa’s fragile security balance.
Force international airlines and organizations such as ICAO and IATA to clarify their operational protocols regarding Somaliland’s airspace.
The “airspace war” narrative also adds pressure on external actors—including the UN and African Union—to engage diplomatically, as both sides intensify rhetoric over sovereignty and control.
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter