Thursday December 26, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – A group of Somali federal lawmakers condemned the government’s decision to suspend civil flights to Dolow in the Gedo region on Wednesday, calling the move unconstitutional and violating international conventions.
In a joint press statement, the lawmakers criticized the suspension, citing Articles 21, 61, and 69 of Somalia’s transitional constitution, which guarantees citizens’ freedom of movement and the obligation of government institutions to protect their rights.
“The flight suspension directly infringes upon Somali citizens’ rights and contradicts national laws as well as international conventions, including the ICAO/Chicago Convention, to which Somalia is a party,” the statement read.
The lawmakers accused government leaders of consistently undermining citizens’ freedoms and urged an immediate reversal of the flight suspension orders.
The controversy follows recent clashes in Dolow, where Ethiopian and Jubaland forces seized control of the strategic town after intense fighting with Somali National Army (SNA) troops on Sunday. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that Ethiopian troops attacked SNA bases in the district— which was denied by Addis Ababa.
Tensions between the federal government and Jubbaland remain high, fueled by disagreements over governance and electoral processes. Jubbaland rejected the federal government’s push for universal suffrage elections, opting to hold indirect regional elections in November 2024.
