Jubaland strongly condemns the recent actions of the Somali Federal Government, which prevented a passenger plane operated by Mandeeq Air Company from completing its journey from Kismayo to Dhoobley. According to a statement released by the Jubaland Ministry of Information, the plane, registered as 5Y IFY, was forced to divert to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, or to make an emergency landing at Wajer airport. This move has been deemed illegal by Jubaland, as it goes against international agreements and civil aviation regulations that prohibit the use of civilian services for political purposes. The Jubaland authority has expressed concern for the safety of passengers, the free movement of Somali citizens, and the overall confidence in the country’s civil aviation system. They have also accused the Somali Federal Government of using Somalia’s airspace as a political tool, rather than a national service that should serve all citizens equally.  Jubaland has called on international agencies, specifically the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to closely monitor recurrent violations that undermine civilian passenger flights and the free movement of the Somali people. The region has stated that it will not tolerate any pressure on the Somali people to make political decisions that threaten their safety and basic rights.
