Somalia takes firm control of airspace

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has taken firm control over the country's airspace, following differences with Ethiopia after an agreement that violates the nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty was signed over six weeks ago.

Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, leading to controversy over the control of Somalia’s airspace, which is coordinated from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Somalia has since implemented stringent measures on the regulation of airspace.

On Tuesday, Somalia’s civil aviation authority changed the channel of communication with airlines using Somalia airspace after reported “VHF interference [on frequency] within the vicinity of Hargeisa”, a source told Voice of America.

Flights within the area had been informed not to expect level change unless they were in contact with Mogadishu via datalink, the source said. The airspace had given room for battles over the control for the last two months.

In a statement, Somalia Civil Aviation Authorities (SCAA) said there is no change in the management of airspace, and the federal government is in charge of it. The response was directed to Somaliland, which had accused Mogadishu of absolute control of the airspace.

Somaliland’s aviation and airport authority had accused the federal government of Somalia of “misusing” management of the airspace by targeting passenger planes, medical aircraft, and other planes used by leaders and officials who are traveling to Somaliland.

Last month, Somalia denied “unscheduled” Ethiopian airline flight permission to enter Somalia airspace. Similarly, Somalia “briefly suspended all inbound Ethiopian airline flights” to Somalia on Wednesday to emphasize its stance on the “unscheduled” flight.

The “suspension” has been lifted after the “unscheduled” flight turned away, source. Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an MoU on Jan 1 which leases 20km of sea to Ethiopia for 50 years in return for recognition, according to Somaliland officials. Both defended the MoU.

However, Somalia insisted the MoU violates the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mogadishu has maintained that Somaliland remains part of her territory, accusing Ethiopia of domestic interference in her internal affairs.

GAROWE ONLINE