The skies over Somaliland are about to become a lot more complicated. In a bold move that could further strain relations with Somalia's federal government, Somaliland has announced it will require all international flights using its airspace to obtain overflight permits starting November 10th, 2025. This decision, fueled by an escalating visa dispute, throws a wrench into the already tense relationship between the two entities and raises questions about airspace sovereignty in the region.
The Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports issued a directive on Sunday, stating that any aircraft landing, transiting, or carrying cargo through its airspace must secure the necessary permit. Failure to comply, they warn, will result in consequences under international and national aviation laws. The ministry justifies this move by citing the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944) and asserting Somaliland's 'complete jurisdiction and exclusive sovereignty' over its airspace.
But here's where it gets controversial: Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized by the international community. Somalia's federal government in Mogadishu vehemently opposes this claim to sovereignty, viewing Somaliland as a breakaway region. This new overflight permit requirement directly challenges Mogadishu's authority and highlights the ongoing struggle for control over airspace and borders.
The roots of this conflict lie in a recent visa dispute. Somalia introduced a mandatory electronic visa (e-visa) system for all travelers entering the country, including those destined for Somaliland. Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, rejected this move, instructing airlines to disregard the e-visa requirement and allow passengers to obtain visas upon arrival at Hargeisa's Egal International Airport. Airlines initially complied with Somalia's directive but later backtracked after Somaliland threatened to ban them from operating within its territory. Carriers like Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines now allow visa-on-arrival for Hargeisa-bound passengers, drawing sharp criticism from Mogadishu.
And this is the part most people miss: Somalia's federal government has responded with a stern warning, accusing airlines of violating its e-visa rule and threatening severe penalties for non-compliance. They argue that transporting passengers to Somaliland without the e-visa constitutes a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and aviation laws. This tit-for-tat exchange underscores the deep-seated tensions between the two administrations, with both sides claiming authority over the same airspace and passenger traffic.
The escalating dispute has significant implications for international air travel in the Horn of Africa. Airlines are caught in the crossfire, facing conflicting regulatory demands from Mogadishu and Hargeisa. This situation risks disrupting flight routes and creating logistical challenges for carriers operating in the region.
The Somaliland-Somalia standoff raises crucial questions about sovereignty, airspace control, and the complexities of international recognition. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, wondering how this dispute will be resolved and what it means for the future of the region.
What do you think? Is Somaliland's move a legitimate exercise of sovereignty or a provocative act? How should the international community respond to this escalating dispute? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
