The flight suspension, implemented by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), came after an alleged unauthorized diversion of a Halla Airlines
Eighty members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament have issued a strong condemnation of the government’s decision to suspend flights to Kismayo, warning that the move violates both national and international law.
The flight suspension, implemented by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), came after an alleged unauthorized diversion of a Halla Airlines aircraft to Doolow in the Gedo region.
The parliamentary group, which includes several senior lawmakers and former officials, released a formal statement accusing the federal government of infringing on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement. “We strongly condemn the Somali Civil Aviation Authority for issuing an order that is contrary to both national and international laws,” the statement read, citing Article 21 of the Transitional Federal Constitution.
The parliamentarians highlighted a pattern of similar restrictions, noting that MPs have previously been prevented from traveling to both Baidoa and Kismayo. Their statement particularly warned against what they termed the “politicization of the National Armed Forces and institutions that provide civilian services.”
The situation has deepened existing tensions between the federal government in Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland state, with Kismayo now facing significant travel and trade disruptions due to the flight ban.
The parliamentary group called on the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the SCAA to “fulfill their duties in accordance with the country’s Constitution” and cease what they described as the politicization of domestic flights and civilian services.
