Somalia Orders Back Mid-air Plane Carrying Jubaland Top Officials

A plane carrying Jubaland top government officials to attend a key political meeting in the Mogadishu lwas ordered to fly back mid-air by Somalia’s federal authorities on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The incident happened as the aircraft approached Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. It had departed from Sayid Mohamed Abdille Hassan International Airport in Kismaayo earlier the same day. Jubaland officials informed the Civil Aviation Authority, the meeting organisers, and federal security agencies ahead of the flight. Despite this, air traffic controllers suddenly ordered the plane to return to Kismaayo. Jubaland noted that no checks were made to confirm whether the plane had enough fuel for the trip back. “This action reflects a significant lack of responsibility and a hostile decision that jeopardised the lives of the advance delegation,” Jubaland said in a press release. The Jubaland’s government regional administration added that two other civilian planes carrying passengers faced the same restrictions that day. Puntland also reported a similar blockade on its aircraft carrying security personnel. Both regions accused the federal government of political sabotage ahead of the National Consultative Meeting, scheduled to start on Monday. The talks will focus on elections, constitutional changes, and national security. Federal officials argued that Jubaland and Puntland had broken a recent agreement on security limits. Technical teams from the federal government and the Somali Future Council – including opposition leaders Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni – met last week. They agreed on Halane Base Camp as the venue for the meeting, citing its neutral security, protection by African Union troops, and presence of foreign missions. The deal allowed personal guards for regional leaders but required coordination with federal forces. Jubaland rejected the claim. “We wish to clarify that no joint committee agreement exists regarding the number of security personnel or other guests accompanying the President’s delegation to Mogadishu. Any reports claiming that such an agreement was reached are entirely false and baseless.” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud consulted his cabinet on Sunday to address the fallout. Sources said discussions focused on political and security impacts, though no public statement has been released. Tensions between the federal government and Jubaland have been high since Madobe won re-election in Kismaayo in November 2024. The federal government declared the election illegal under the new one-person, one-vote system and issued an arrest warrant barring him from Mogadishu. The warrant was later cancelled to allow participation in the talks. Charges of national betrayal and threats to sovereignty were also dropped. Broader strains have affected air travel. Somalia recently banned UAE military and cargo flights, denying airspace to Ethiopian cargo planes chartered by the UAE and an Israeli-owned airline. International carriers including Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways warned they might suspend Mogadishu routes over security concerns.