The Federal Government of Somalia has recently turned back aircraft carrying armed troops deployed by the presidents of Jubbaland and Puntland after preventing them from landing in Mogadishu airspace. The flights had departed earlier today from Kismayo and Garowe.
Senior sources have confirmed that officials of the Civil Aviation Authority were issued direct orders prohibiting any further aircraft carrying troops from departing the two cities.
The decision was reportedly taken after the two administrations violated previously agreed security protocols established by joint technical committees, which were specifically related to national security arrangements.
Caasimada Online has learned that each administration had originally been permitted to deploy between 40 and 50 soldiers, including plainclothes personnel, solely for the personal security of their leaders. However, this agreement was breached when additional troops were dispatched by both sides, prompting swift action by the federal government.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting is currently underway in Mogadishu between the technical committees of the two sides to deliberate on the next steps, as the decision could have implications for the ongoing dialogue process.
So far, neither Jubbaland nor Puntland has issued an official statement regarding the federal government’s decision to turn back their troops.
These developments come amid earlier reports that the leaders of Jubbaland and Puntland declined to attend meetings at Villa Somalia, opting instead for talks to be held at a neutral venue outside the presidential palace.
Despite the tensions, dialogue is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Monday, with discussions expected to focus on elections, the constitution, national unity, counterterrorism efforts, and the ongoing drought.
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