Diplomatic Tiff: Somalia Accuses Kenya Of Violating Airspace, Summons Ambassador

Authorities in Somalia have reportedly protested after an aircraft registered in Kenya reportedly sneaked into the country’s airspace without authorization by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) which regulates air transport in the Horn of Africa nation.

According to reports, the aircraft cruised in Somalia’s airspace on Saturday, Jan 18 without permit from Somali aviation authorities. The aircraft reportedly partially covered its registration, and has landed at Kismayo town airport, officials said.

While protesting, the officials maintained that the aircraft transported the leader of Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The authorities in Somalia termed the incident a ‘violation of our space regulations’ and asked for an ‘immediate response’ from Kenya.

However, there is no formal statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Kenya or the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regarding the incident which could trigger potential diplomatic fallout between the two sisterly East African countries.

But on Saturday Somalian news sources established the travel arrangements of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who left for Kenya for official engagements. He is due to meet various representatives of international organizations and diplomats on matters of security, peace, and development in Jubaland.

According to reports, Madobe will also discuss the support of the international community towards the development of the Jubaland state. Thereafter, sources added, he would leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for similar talks.

Other sources also claim Madobe travel to the UAE is due to unspecified routine medical procedures.

This marked Madobe’s first international trip after winning third term last year, albeit controversially. The federal government of Somalia had denounced the results, arguing that the elections went against the principles of universal suffrage polls.

Madobe insisted on indirect elections, arguing that direct polls would pave the way to illegal term extensions for state and federal leaders. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insists on uniform presidential elections where the people shall have a chance to pick their preferred leaders.

Kenya has been receptive to Jubaland which plays an important role in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. The Kenya Defence Forces officers are stationed in several parts of Jubaland servicing under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).