Tuesday , June 16, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of imposing politically motivated restrictions on civilian flights to the Gedo region, saying the measures have significantly affected local communities and essential services.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, President Madobe said the limitations on air travel to Gedo have disrupted civilian mobility, restricted access to essential services, and hindered humanitarian operations in the region.
He alleged that the restrictions are politically driven rather than based on security considerations, arguing that they are being used to exert pressure on local communities and administrative structures in the region.
“This is a politically motivated restriction that has directly harmed civilians in Gedo,” President Madobe said, adding that the situation demonstrates why the Federal Government of Somalia cannot be trusted to independently manage the country’s airspace and aviation sector.
President Madobe also questioned the Federal Government’s capacity to manage Somalia’s long-standing arms embargo and national airspace, calling for what he described as greater international oversight of key sovereign functions.
In his remarks, he said federal authorities lack both the capacity and trust required to independently administer critical security and aviation responsibilities, including weapons regulation and airspace control.
He further argued that restrictions on civilian flights to parts of Gedo—enforced under the arms embargo framework for several years—have continued to affect civilian movement and humanitarian access.
The Jubbaland leader suggested that continued international involvement in overseeing Somalia’s aviation and security architecture may be necessary to ensure neutrality, fairness, and stability.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet responded to the latest allegations.
Tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo remain high over authority in the Gedo region, with recurring disputes over administrative control, security coordination, and constitutional jurisdiction continuing to strain Somalia’s federal system as state-building efforts proceed with international support.