Somali president consults Cabinet after aircraft carrying leaders’ guards turned back

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has begun a series of closed-door meetings with Cabinet members as the federal government weighs its response to an incident in which aircraft carrying security personnel for the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland were denied clearance to land in Mogadishu.

Government officials said the discussions are examining the political, security and governance implications of the decision, amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the two regional states. The aim, they said, is to reach a unified government position on how to handle the fallout.

The aircraft were carrying advance security teams for Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who were expected to travel to Mogadishu for broader political consultations. Puntland and Jubaland have accused the federal government of acting irresponsibly and endangering lives, allegations that Mogadishu has not publicly addressed.

The incident has sharpened divisions over authority, security arrangements and trust between Somalia’s central government and federal member states, at a time when negotiations over elections and constitutional reforms remain fragile.

Separately, the Somali Future Council, a political forum involved in the consultative process, is holding its own meetings on the issue. The group is expected to release a statement in the coming hours outlining its position and recommendations on how the crisis should be managed.

GAROWE ONLINE