MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia has protested to Kenya after a Kenya-registered aircraft landed in Kismayo on Saturday without permission from the country’s aviation authorities.
The aircraft, which reportedly partially obscured its registration, airlifted President Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland from Kismayo to the capital, Nairobi.
Somalia viewed the incident as a violation of its airspace and called for an immediate response. Kenya has yet to respond to the allegation.
Saturday’s trip could spark diplomatic fallout, as Madobe remains in a rift with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over the legality of his re-election on November 25th of last year.
Reliable sources say Madobe is set to meet representatives from international organizations and diplomats in Nairobi to seek support for Jubaland.
He is also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for similar talks. This will be his first international trip since winning a third term last year, despite the Somali government’s invalidation.
Madobe has a close relationship with Kenya, which has supported his region and plays an important role in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Kenya also has troops in Jubaland as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
