MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday blocked planes carrying armed troops sent by Puntland and Jubaland leaders, citing security violations.
The aircraft, departing Garowe and Kismayo, were denied Mogadishu airspace, and civil aviation authorities were instructed to halt further troop flights immediately.
The federal government said the action followed breaches of security protocols agreed upon previously by joint technical committees managing national security matters.
Officials said each region was authorized to send 40 to 50 personnel, including plainclothes officers, but additional troops exceeded the agreed limit.
Emergency meetings between federal and regional technical committees were underway in Mogadishu to determine next steps, with possible implications for ongoing political discussions.
Both Puntland nor Jubaland have publicly condemned the move and warned that the lives of their deployed troops were potentially endangered.
The incident follows the leaders’ earlier refusal to meet at Villa Somalia, opting instead to hold discussions at a neutral location outside Mogadishu.
Negotiations are scheduled to begin Monday, focusing on elections, constitutional matters, national unity, counterterrorism, and ongoing humanitarian crises caused by drought across Somalia.
