Farhiya Hussein Arale, a mother, died seven days after giving birth due to the flight ban in the Gedo region, amid rising political tensions.
After childbirth, Arale developed severe uterine complications, requiring urgent medical attention.
She began traveling by road to Mogadishu for care but tragically died in Adad-Gari, an area between Dinsor and Bardere towns.
Her death sparked outrage on social media. Many labeled the flight restriction as an unjust measure.
Federal MP Mursal Khalif called the flight ban in Gedo a crime against humanity by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government.
Khalif said Arale’s death was linked to the blockade, as she couldn’t reach hospitals in Mogadishu.
Jubaland Information Minister Abdifatah Mukhtar said those behind the flight restrictions in Gedo will be held accountable for Arale’s death.
He also offered condolences to her family, praying for patience and strength during this difficult time.
The flight ban was initiated after on November 25 last year in retaliation to President Ahmed Madobe’s indirect election in Jubaland.
Madobe’s election for a third term defied Somali government’s push for unified elections.
In response, the government also deployed military troops to Raskamboni to remove Madobe and arrest him for election violations.
But Madobe’s forces took over Raskamboni, capturing the deployed troops while some escaped and crossed into Kenya.
Since then, the Somali government has maintained the flight blockade on regions under Madobe leadership, escalating tensions.
Last week, two federal lawmakers were denied flights from Mogadishu to Kismayo, drawing condemnation.
The flight blockade continues to affect many. The Somali government denies any involvement in the flight restrictions.
