The President of Jubaland regional authority in Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Madobe, has explicitly said that the Somali Federal Government cannot be trusted with the significant national responsibilities, accusing it of failing to perform crucial duties. He noted that issues such as the fight against Al-Shabab and the administration of the country’s airspace are clear examples that he said that the Somali Federal Government has failed in its responsibility. He stated, “The Somali government cannot be trusted with two vital points- Al-Shabab has expanded its control in many parts of the country today, while the airspace has become a nightmare for the Somali people.” He disclosed that the United Nations agencies are sometimes compelled to utilize special planes in order to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to impoverished and vulnerable communities, in which he clearly stated that it is a sign that the Somali Federal Government has completely failed. He further asserted that the Somali government is going through the most difficult time, describing the worst since state-rebuilding, calling for Somalians to find a solution to the existing conflict. President Ahmed Madobe has strongly repudiated a recent mark from the Somali Prime Minister, Hamze Abdi Barre, about the fact that the Somali Federal Government is not responsible for the closure of Dolow airport. He said, “Recently, I listened to Prime Minister, Hamze Abdi Barre, claiming that the Somali government will not be held responsible for the closure of Dolow Airport, claiming that Jubaland authority has shut down the airport. Ask Jubaland President, Sheikh Ahmed Madobe. I said, “If we are responsible for the closure, we will send a plane tomorrow, so let’s see who is responsible for.” However, starting from President Farmajo’s administration, Jubaland expressed deep concern that its residents were imposed on airspace restrictions, which had a profound impact on people who had nothing to do with the conflict between the two sides. In addition, Jubaland authority Wednesday has accused the Somali Federal Government that it has shut down Dolow Airport for political reasons, stating that the long time closure of the airport has affected health-related services, trade, movement of people, and humanitarian operations in Gedo region. In a statement released by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Jubaland administration said Wednesday that Dolow airport has been closed since July 19, 2025. Meanwhile efforts aimed at reopening the airport did not materialize. Jubaland authority further articulated that the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) apprised of them that they do not have the power to make decisions independently in order to officially reopen Dolow Airport, while Jubaland authority argued that the closure of the airport has nothing to do with technical issues including security or the safety of the flights. Additionally, the statement has accused the Somali Federal Government that it is using the airspace for political purposes, which Jubaland said is against civil aviation regulation and international standards of the airspace management. Furthermore, the Somali Prime Minister announced that the Somali Federal Government will not be held accountable for the closure of Dolow Airport in Dolow District in Gedo region in April 2026. The Somali Prime Minister blamed the closure on Jubaland administration, saying that any problems arising from the closure of the airport will be questioned by President Ahmed Madobe.
