Somali federal government bars landings of planes carrying semi-autonomous regional security personnel

Somalia blocks planes carrying Jubaland, Puntland State security teams from landing in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Monday blocked two planes carrying security personnel for the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland State from landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, citing national security concerns ahead of planned political talks in the capital.

Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the arrival of a heavily armed contingent tied to the two regional leaders posed an “inappropriate” risk, particularly without prior authorization or a legitimate security rationale. He noted the airport hosts embassies and other sensitive diplomatic sites, which fall under federal protection.

“There are credible concerns that these weapons may be stockpiled in Mogadishu or deliberately handed over to other actors,” Fiqi said in a statement, warning that such moves could undermine the stability of the capital and challenge the government’s responsibility for security.

The decision comes days before the expected arrival of the Jubaland and Puntland State presidents, who have been at odds with the federal government in recent years. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last month invited the Somali Future Council — an opposition-aligned forum of political leaders that includes figures from both states — to Mogadishu for talks aimed at strengthening national unity and resolving an election dispute.

Somalia’s Internal Security Ministry, in a separate statement Sunday, accused “some members” of the Somali Future Council of “provocative actions,” including attempts to move large numbers of heavily armed forces into the capital without coordination or approval from federal security agencies. The ministry said such unilateral moves amounted to “a clear violation and a serious threat to the peace and order of the capital.”

The government said it would not allow any party to “undermine the country’s hard-won security gains or to use force or the threat of force to achieve political objectives,” adding that any uncoordinated armed movement into Mogadishu would be treated as a “direct challenge” to national sovereignty. It urged all sides to avoid actions that could derail the national dialogue.

The Somali Future Council condemned the decision to turn back flights carrying security personnel, saying it remains “ready for sincere dialogue” but will review the course of negotiations. The statement did not indicate whether the planned talks would proceed as scheduled.

The Puntland State presidency called the central government’s decision “unfortunate,” arguing it endangered the lives of the president’s security staff and officials who were en route to the capital. Jubaland authorities did not immediately issue a detailed response beyond confirming their security team had been blocked.

Federal member state leaders have frequently traveled with security details to Mogadishu amid Somalia’s volatile security environment. The federal government’s latest move underscores the fragile relationship between Mogadishu and several regional administrations and raises fresh questions about whether the government and opposition can find common ground on electoral rules and power sharing.

As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether alternative security arrangements would be negotiated for the visiting delegations or whether the meetings would be postponed. The standoff heightens political stakes around the talks, seen by many in Somalia as a test of the country’s ability to manage disputes within its federal framework without escalating tensions in the capital.

Mohamed Dhaysane and Mevlut Ozkan Monday February 2, 2026

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.