The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) announced on August 21, 2024, its intent to suspend all flights to Somaliland unless airlines fully comply with Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This stern warning comes in the wake of mounting tensions, following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland in January 2024. The deal, which purportedly grants Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of Somalia’s coastline for 50 years, has been perceived by Somalia as a direct challenge to its national sovereignty.
Tensions escalated further when Ethiopian Airlines removed Somali destination names from its systems, an action the SCAA views as a deliberate attempt to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. In response, the SCAA expressed deep frustration, viewing these moves as a serious affront to Somalia’s sovereign rights.
Airlines operating flights to Somaliland, including Ethiopian Airlines, have been given a deadline: resolve these issues by August 23, 2024, or face a suspension of all flights to Somalia. As a result, these airlines have started to remove references to Somaliland as a separate country from their booking systems, instead listing Somaliland destinations under Somalia.
This situation raises several critical questions. First, have these commercial airlines been implicitly adopting political positions that conflict with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) codes and regulations regarding Somalia’s sovereignty? Are these actions politically motivated rather than neutral commercial decisions, and how does this impact the broader political dispute?
Second, why do these flights exist in the first place? Are they purely driven by commercial interests, or do they reflect a broader political connection between these nations and the contested region of Somaliland?
Lastly, what do Somali travelers think about this issue? With limited direct flights connecting them to Somalia, how does this dispute affect their travel options and perceptions of national identity?
Your Comment
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This is just the first of many steps Somali authorities must take to ensure that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are never violated. I hope people recognize the detrimental impact of Abiy Ahmed’s policies—despite his Nobel Peace Prize—policies that are likely to destabilize the region and worsen the already dire situation and suffering of its people.