Somaliland has announced that it is pursuing efforts to fully assume control of its airspace management and to eliminate the requirement for Somalia’s electronic visa (E-Visa) system, which travelers to Hargeisa are currently compelled to use.
Somaliland’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Khadar Hussein Abdi, speaking to members of the Somaliland diaspora in the United States, stated that the Somaliland government is undertaking diplomatic and other initiatives regarding these matters—efforts he described as being managed with caution and confidentiality.
Minister Khadar noted that Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, Fu’ad Ahmed Nur, is specifically working on issues related to flight operations and the challenges surrounding airspace management.
“Minister Fu’ad is handling the work regarding flights and airspace challenges wisely and discreetly, and we hope he will soon achieve success,” the Minister of Presidential Affairs said.
He added that Somaliland’s Aviation Minister remains in the United States, where he will continue to work on matters concerning airspace management. Minister Khadar also mentioned the recognition Somaliland received from Israel, noting that some of Somaliland’s diplomatic moves take place without prior public announcement.
“You recall how we simply woke up one morning to the news of Israel’s recognition. People wondered how it was achieved—and how we managed to evade the intelligence agencies tracking us, such as those from Turkey,” he said.
He stated that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) steers foreign policy through an approach he described as “quiet and discreet,” noting that matters concerning airspace management are part of these efforts.
Somaliland has recently been vocal regarding the dispute over the management of its airspace and Somalia’s E-Visa system, arguing that travelers heading to Somaliland cannot be compelled to obtain a visa from Somalia.
