UN urges dialogue after federal government blocks regional security flights

Monday, Feb. 2, 2026

Mogadishu — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia urged the federal government and regional leaders to prioritize dialogue on elections and other national issues after a security dispute prevented advance teams from Puntland State and Jubaland from arriving in the capital for a planned consultative forum.

In a brief statement posted on social media, UNTMIS said it regretted that preparatory delegations from the two semi-autonomous regions were unable to reach Mogadishu because required technical clearances were not granted. The mission called on all sides to resolve the impasse swiftly to keep political talks on track.

“We urge rapid completion of the preparatory work by the technical teams, and further efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council leadership to create favourable conditions to convene the dialogue and reach agreement,” the statement said.

The intervention comes amid rising political tension ahead of the expiry of key constitutional mandates and a renewed push to settle Somalia’s long-running electoral dispute. International partners have pressed for consensus on rules, timelines and security arrangements for the next phase of the country’s transition, warning that delays and mistrust could undermine fragile gains.

Federal authorities said they refused to allow two planes carrying security personnel for the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland State to land at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, citing security concerns. Officials framed the decision as necessary to protect stability in the capital as leaders prepared to attend the national consultative forum.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the aircraft were transporting armed personnel and weapons in violation of established protocols governing Mogadishu and its international airport. The ministry said the restrictions reflected the government’s constitutional duty to safeguard public safety and preserve recent security gains against threats in the capital.

Federal officials said they had approved a limited security presence for visiting leaders, allowing up to 30 uniformed guards and 10 plainclothes personnel per president. They accused Jubaland and Puntland State of attempting to deploy more than 100 security personnel each, a move authorities said posed a serious threat to national security.

The government warned it would not tolerate actions that undermine security or use force, or the threat of force, to advance political objectives. Any uncoordinated armed movement into the capital, it said, would be treated as a direct challenge to national sovereignty.

UNTMIS’ appeal underscores international concern that deepening friction between the federal government and key federal member states could stall urgent talks on elections and governance. Diplomatic missions have repeatedly emphasized that credible, inclusive dialogue remains essential to navigating the end of current mandates and avoiding a wider political crisis.

The UN mission’s call places renewed focus on technical teams tasked with setting ground rules and logistics for the consultative forum. Whether leaders can quickly agree on security arrangements — including the size and coordination of protective details — may determine if the talks proceed as planned and whether momentum can be restored to Somalia’s electoral roadmap.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.