HARGEISA (SD) – The Somaliland government has summoned international community representatives based in Hargeisa and presented its position on Somalia’s “E-Visa” initiative, as well as other measures it is taking.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, along with other ministers who spoke to the press after the meeting, stated that the steps taken by the Somali government regarding airspace management are aimed at destroying Somaliland.

“We have informed the international community of the main reasons why the Mogadishu government is taking these steps; they seek the destruction of Somaliland’s democracy and peace,” the Minister said.

He stated that they have informed the international community that they will take every possible measure to prevent the implementation of Somalia’s travel system, adding that the messages conveyed by the international representatives will be relayed to their respective countries.

The Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, stated that there is now a direct war between Somaliland and Somalia, and that unity and solidarity are needed. He stated that Somaliland was won through blood and sacrifice, and they are prepared to do so again if necessary. “The people of Somaliland are not people who will back down from an E-visa for something they believe in,” he said.

The Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh, stated that they sent a message to all 90 airlines that use Somaliland’s airspace daily, and 40% have accepted to comply with Somaliland’s regulations, while those who did not agree were instructed to avoid Somaliland’s airspace, and most have diverted.

“We have taken two steps, and we have three more steps ready, which we will take one by other… Regarding the airspace, we see it as a sensitive issue that requires our national participation,” said Minister Fu’ad.

Specifically, he addressed those criticizing the government’s management of the airspace, stating that the current problem is a legacy of the previous Kulmiye administration and the Somaliland-Somalia talks, during which the Somali government of that time was granted control of the airspace.

Somaliland recently issued new orders in response to the “forced entry” attempted by Somalia. These orders include a ban on any aircraft without Somaliland’s permission from using its airspace.

The Somali government had previously stated that its new airspace plan aims to protect its security and monitor people entering and exiting, as it does not recognize Somaliland’s independence.