MOGADISHU (SD)-The European Union has expressed strong concern and disappointment after a preparatory delegation from the administrations of Puntland and Jubaland failed to arrive in Mogadishu today. The delegation was intended to participate in important political talks.

The European Union’s Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, stated that the EU is deeply troubled by this event, which she described as a potential setback to efforts aimed at advancing political understanding and dialogue among Somali parties.

“Shame that advance teams fr PL & JL could not arrive today in Moga. Whatever the misunderstanding, the EU hopes that all sides will find a solution for this key dialogue to happen, and set a conducive environment for substantive discussions, leading to a way forward on elections,” said Ambassador Di Mauro.

This issue arose after the Federal Government of Somalia turned back planes carrying preparatory delegations from Puntland and Jubbaland, which were accompanied by security personnel for the delegates. The Federal Government stated that this action was linked to serious security matters.

The Somali Ministry of Internal Security, in an official statement, claimed that members of what it referred to as the “Somali Future Council” attempted to bring weapons onto a plane. The ministry described this as a clear violation of the security protocol of Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu. The ministry added that the step taken was to protect overall security and the safety of the airport.

On the other hand, the administrations of Puntland and Jubbaland strongly condemned the Federal Government’s action, describing it as an “unprecedented and regrettable” act that endangered the lives of the delegation members. They also stated that this action damages the trust needed to implement fruitful dialogue.

This conflict comes at a time when the country is going through a sensitive political phase, with both domestic and international efforts underway to reconcile differing viewpoints to reach a political agreement on the future of elections and Somalia’s system of governance.

This is more than a logistical dispute over airport access. It is a microcosm of the fundamental power struggles within Somalia’s federal system. The competing narratives (security vs. political obstruction) reveal the deep-seated lack of trust and the high tensions surrounding the country’s ongoing political negotiations, with the international community watching apprehensively.