Somalia blocks regional leaders' armed guards ahead of unity talks

Somali authorities have refused landing permission to aircraft transporting armed security teams for regional presidents, escalating a political standoff on the eve of critical national unity talks. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that the arrival of heavily armed personnel from the semi-autonomous regions of Jubaland and Puntland at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport posed a "serious threat to national security." The federal government views the movement of such forces into the capital without its coordination as a direct challenge to its authority and a danger to the stability of the city, which hosts numerous diplomatic missions.

Government cites security risks and unilateral actions

In an official statement, Defense Minister Fiqi argued that the deployment was "inappropriate" and lacked legitimate justification. He expressed concern that the weapons could be stockpiled in the capital or transferred to other actors, thereby undermining security. The Ministry of Internal Security echoed this, stating that attempts to move large numbers of armed forces without federal approval were "provocative actions" and a clear violation. The government warned it would not allow any party to use the threat of force for political objectives, framing uncoordinated armed movements as a challenge to national sovereignty that could jeopardize the success of the national dialogue.

Context of a fragile national dialogue invitation

The incident follows an official invitation from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the Somali Future Council, an opposition bloc that includes regional leaders, for talks aimed at strengthening national unity and resolving an election dispute. The presidents of Jubaland and Puntland, who have been at odds with Mogadishu for the past four years, were scheduled to attend these discussions in the coming days. The decision to block their security details has cast a shadow over the prospects for these negotiations before they even begin, highlighting the profound mistrust between the federal center and influential regional states.

Regional backlash and implications for stability

The blocked flights have drawn strong condemnation from the affected regions. The Somali Future Council stated it was ready for sincere dialogue but would now review the course of negotiations. The Puntland presidency called the decision "unfortunate" and claimed it endangered the lives of its president's security staff. This dispute exemplifies the fragile balance of power in Somalia and the challenges of federalism in a post-conflict state. For international partners like Türkiye, which has invested significantly in Somalia's stability and security sector development, such internal rifts present a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace and functional governance, underscoring the complex path toward national cohesion.