Garowe, March 3, 2026 — The Speaker of the Puntland House of Representatives, Abdirisaq Ahmed Siciid, convened a meeting of the parliament’s Standing Committee to address growing tensions over a recent decision to suspend civil flights in Puntland and broader political developments in Somalia.
During the session, the committee strongly criticized actions taken by the Federal Government of Somalia, describing the suspension of flights as unlawful and politically motivated. The meeting focused particularly on an incident that occurred on March 1, 2026, when members of the Somali Federal Parliament representing Puntland, along with other passengers, were reportedly denied landing clearance and forced to turn back mid-flight.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Standing Committee condemned what it described as a violation of the rights and privileges of federal lawmakers and the safety of civilians aboard the aircraft. Lawmakers argued that the incident endangered lives and contravened the country’s provisional constitutional framework.
“The actions taken against members representing Puntland and the passengers on board were irresponsible and contrary to the agreed Interim Constitution,” the committee said, emphasizing that such measures undermine trust between federal institutions and regional administrations.
The committee further accused the Federal Government of repression and unlawful intimidation, claiming that restricting movement and suspending flights constituted an abuse of federal authority. According to Puntland lawmakers, the measures represent an overreach of power that threatens the balance between Somalia’s federal member states and the central government.
Tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu have periodically surfaced over constitutional interpretation, resource management, and political authority. The latest dispute over flight restrictions adds to a series of disagreements that have tested federal-regional relations in recent years.
In its concluding remarks, the Standing Committee called on the Somali people to safeguard national unity and solidarity during what it described as a sensitive political moment. Lawmakers urged citizens to reject actions that could undermine coexistence and stability.
“We call upon the Somali people to preserve their unity and work together to protect the country from any threat,” the statement read.
As of Tuesday, officials from the Federal Government had not publicly responded to the committee’s accusations. Observers note that the situation could further strain relations between Puntland and federal authorities if a negotiated resolution is not reached.
The developments come amid ongoing national discussions about governance, constitutional implementation, and the balance of powers within Somalia’s federal system.
@Horseed Media
