Kismayo (Feb 17): Residents of Jubaland State are confronting significant challenges in their daily lives as the Federal Government of Somalia enacts strict restrictions on movement, resulting in the suspension of local flights connecting various centers in the region.
A representative from a local airline reported that these developments have severely hindered mobility for citizens, with ticket prices skyrocketing to unprecedented levels that average residents cannot afford. The region is among the most inaccessible parts of the country, marked by a strong Al-Shabab presence and fragmented local administrations.
“Our fares used to be $80 for a trip from Dhobley to Kismayo, but after federal mandates imposed a requirement for mandatory transit through Mogadishu, prices have surged to $380 for the same destination. In some cases, passengers are forced to remain overnight in Mogadishu just to reach their destination, totaling individual costs to over $500,” said an anonymous airline manager for fear of reprisals.
Abdirashid Ali Addow, a political analyst, noted that while the flight blockade was ostensibly intended to hinder President Ahmed Madobe’s international travel, he has continued to move in and out of the country without obstruction. “The real casualties of this punitive decision are the residents of Jubaland. Madobe continues to travel unhindered by the supposed blockade.”
MP Abdirashid Jire/Photo Abdijalil Show
In an appearance on Abdijalil Show, Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, who recently resigned from Prime Minister Hamza Barre’s cabinet, condemned the Federal Government for infringing upon the rights of movement of its citizens as recognized by national and international law. He alleged that the Federal Government of Somalia only allows flights that transport Khat into Kismayo, a stimulant in which he accused President Hassan Sheikh of having lucrative business interests.
Ali Adan Ali, Commissioner for Refugees and IDPs in Jubaland State, spoke to Somali Stream about the ill treatment of residents due to political disagreement between the state and the federal government. He remarked, “It is unfortunate that average citizens suffer as a result of political wrangling; social issues should not be affected by the infighting of leaders. Assuming there were universal suffrage in Somalia, as the Somali president says he wants to hold, who is going to vote for him? The same people whose movements he has curtailed?”
Among the most severely impacted are women, children, and the sick, who are routinely sent to Mogadishu for specialized medical attention and referrals. Expectant mothers at risk or requiring specialized care have been traveling to Mogadishu from Dhobley and Dollow. Luul Mohamed Guure, a resident of the state and a distressed mother, expressed her concerns, stating, “The government exists to represent its people and draws its legitimacy from the masses. If a mother in labor, who needs urgent medical evacuation, cannot have safe passage due to suffocating restrictions, then who shoulders the responsibility for her preventable death? It’s the government!”
An official from the Jubaland Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Mohamed Issa Harbi, informed Somali Stream that the state’s leadership is not affected by internal travel restrictions. “As we speak, the Vice President Mohamud Sayid has traveled to Dollow, the President regularly travels, and our ministers also leave at will. However, these travel restrictions have negatively impacted the lives of everyday residents. The airports in the Gedo region are all closed; Dollow, which served the region, no longer receives flights. Humanitarian agencies also cannot gain access, worsening the situation for many internally displaced persons.”
Mohamed Isse Harbi, an official from Jubaland Ministry of Aviation. Photo Credit/SomaliStream
“There are basic rights and secondary rights. The Right to Freedom of Movement is a fundamental principle enshrined in Somalia’s Constitution, guaranteeing every citizen the ability to travel, reside, and work anywhere within the country without undue restriction. This right is further reinforced by international legal frameworks, including the local Somali Civil Aviation Authority Act and the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, as well as international law declarations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Chicago Convention, which mandate Somalia to uphold and protect unrestricted internal movement. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 13) also affirms this right. Any limitations imposed must be legally justified, proportionate, and in strict compliance with constitutional provisions,” says Mohamed Abdi Kadiye, Director of Legal Advisory at Garnaqsi and former Chairman of Galguduud Regional Court.
Mohamed Abdi Kadiye, Director of Garnaqsi Law Firm.
The legal scholar argues that attempts to limit the right to travel, such as arbitrary restrictions or politically motivated bans, violate both national and international laws and warrant financial compensation. These restrictions are unconstitutional and should be legally challenged. The state must ensure that all Somali citizens can travel freely within their country, promoting national unity and equal opportunities.
The Somali government claims to uphold the supremacy of the law, yet punitive travel restrictions on Jubaland residents continue to raise legal and ethical concerns. Whether imposed for political reasons or not, such measures undermine national unity, economic activity, and constitutional rights.
As Somalia navigates its federal challenges, the key question remains: Will the federal government lift these restrictions and uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens?
1 Comment
The Somali government should reassess its recent restrictions on transportation routes from Kismayo to other destinations within Somalia, such as Dhobley. These measures could be perceived as detrimental to the well-being of citizens, especially in light of recent fare increases. Given the challenges
That agaist Jubaland’s President, Ahmed Madowe, it is imperative that the government prioritizes the needs of its people to foster stability and support their welfare.