Somalia Escalates Airspace Dispute with UAE Over Alleged Violations and Yemeni Separatist Transit

Somalia Imposes Ban on UAE Military and Cargo Flights

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has announced an escalation of measures against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), imposing a ban on all UAE military and cargo flights from its sovereign airspace. This decision comes in response to alleged repeated violations of Somali airspace and sovereignty, most notably the reported unauthorized transit of Aidarous Al-Zoubaidi, leader of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC), through Somali territory.

Somali authorities initiated an investigation on January 7 following reports that a UAE military aircraft facilitated Al-Zoubaidi's movement from Berbera in Somaliland, through Mogadishu, en route to Abu Dhabi, without obtaining the necessary clearances. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) stated that such actions, if confirmed, would constitute a 'serious violation of Somalia's sovereignty and immigration rules' and that 'enabling fugitives or undertaking unilateral operations on Somali soil without proper authorization is unacceptable.'

Deepening Diplomatic Rift

The ban, which does not affect civilian flights such as those operated by FlyDubai, has been formally communicated to Emirati counterparts. While the UAE has not publicly responded to the inquiry, reports indicate that it has begun withdrawing military hardware and personnel from Somalia, with limited evacuation flights authorized by Mogadishu for this purpose.

This incident further exacerbates already strained relations between Somalia and the UAE, which have been at a low point. Somali officials have voiced suspicions that the UAE has been influencing regional dynamics, including Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland, a move Somalia views as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. Mogadishu has increasingly aligned itself with Saudi Arabia in regional rivalries, particularly concerning the conflict in Yemen.

Sovereignty and Regional Implications

Somalia's assertion of control over its airspace comes after the country successfully regained full management of its Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR) in 2023, following decades of external administration. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has reaffirmed its full administrative and operational control over the FIR, emphasizing that any failure to comply with regulations could lead to serious legal and operational consequences.

The current dispute underscores a broader geopolitical struggle in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia signaling that its airspace and airports will not be used as passive logistical nodes for external powers. Somali authorities have vowed to take 'further measures' if violations of the ban continue, highlighting their commitment to protecting national interests and sovereignty.