The Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development has said it is aware of the complaints and difficulties that have increased in recent weeks among people traveling to Somaliland after being forced to obtain expired Somali visas.
A press release issued today by the Somaliland Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, Fuad Ahmed Nuux, stated that the ministry has already addressed this issue and has established contacts with relevant parties.
The Minister noted that aviation operations and airport services are technical and based on international laws and regulations, which cannot be governed by political decisions or informal recommendations.
He specifically blamed the current challenges faced by Somaliland people traveling to Hargeisa on the previous governments of Somaliland, which he said had handed over control of Somaliland’s airspace.
“We assure the people of Somaliland that the ministry is fully fulfilling its constitutional obligations, and that aircraft entering or leaving Somaliland are operating in full compliance with Somaliland’s laws and regulations,” the Minister said.
Minister Fuaada also indicated that anyone involved in aviation is obligated to follow Somaliland’s regulations on travel and airport use, adding that anyone who does not comply cannot operate in Somaliland’s airspace.
The press release concluded with a message stressing that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development will continue to protect Somaliland’s airspace and aviation security.
Somaliland citizens traveling to Hargeisa have faced challenges in their travels in recent weeks, as they were forced to travel on expired Somali visas, which also prevented them from entering Hargeisa as they were not recognized.
Somaliland’s former Foreign Minister, Dr. Isse Kayd Mohamud, said he was among those who faced challenges entering Somalia, saying he was stopped at Dubai airport.
