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Abdi Farah Shirdoon calls for lifting travel restrictions across Jubbaland, highlighting economic, educational, and medical hardships caused by ongoing federal-regional tensions
Mog adishu (HOL) –Former Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon has expressed his strong support for the Federal Government of Somalia’s decision to lift the flight ban on Baardheere district in the Gedo region. The travel restrictions, which had been enforced for several months, stemmed from ongoing tensions between the federal government and the Jubbaland administration. The former prime minister described the move as a positive step and urged the government to remove similar restrictions on other cities within the Jubbaland region, emphasizing the severe challenges that civilians have been facing due to these limitations.
“I welcome the decision by the Federal Government to lift the flight ban on the city of Baardheere. It is a step in the right direction,” Shirdoon stated, recognizing the immediate relief it would bring to the local population. However, he stressed that more needs to be done, as other parts of the region continue to suffer under similar restrictions. He highlighted the critical need for freedom of movement, which is vital for public welfare, economic activity, and access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The former prime minister pointed out that flight bans and other travel restrictions have significantly impacted various aspects of daily life. Businesses have suffered from the lack of connectivity, making it difficult to transport goods and maintain operations. Students traveling for educational purposes have been hindered by the limitations, preventing them from reaching their institutions. Additionally, medical patients requiring urgent care have been unable to access the necessary treatment, putting their lives at risk. Shirdoon argued that such restrictions contradict the Somali Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement, and called for immediate policy revisions to align government actions with the legal rights of citizens.
In recent months, the federal government has implemented a series of economic and administrative measures against Jubbaland. In addition to the flight bans, Mogadishu has suspended financial subsidies that were previously allocated to Jubbaland’s budget. Several developmental projects in the region have also been halted, further exacerbating the already tense relationship between the federal government and the regional administration. These actions have deepened the political divide and worsened the situation for civilians who depend on these economic and infrastructural projects.
The ongoing dispute between the federal government and Jubbaland dates back to last year when tensions escalated over electoral policies. Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe withdrew from the National Consultative Council after rejecting a federal government proposal to transition Somalia to a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Instead, Jubbaland proceeded with an indirect election model, resulting in Madobe’s re-election. However, the federal government refused to recognize the legitimacy of the process, leading to a further breakdown in relations.
This political standoff has had widespread ramifications, particularly for ordinary citizens who have suffered the consequences of the power struggle. With continued flight bans and economic sanctions, local businesses have faced significant setbacks, preventing them from contributing to the region’s economic growth. Entrepreneurs have been unable to transport goods efficiently, resulting in supply chain disruptions. Moreover, students in the region have struggled to access educational institutions outside their immediate areas, limiting their opportunities for academic advancement. Those requiring urgent medical care have also found themselves stranded, unable to reach hospitals in Mogadishu or other regions where specialized treatment is available.
Shirdoon emphasized that political disagreements should not come at the expense of civilians who depend on stable governance, economic opportunities, and access to essential services. He urged both the federal government and the Jubbaland administration to engage in constructive dialogue to address their disputes in a manner that prioritizes the needs of the people. He warned that if the political deadlock continues, it will only deepen the humanitarian and economic crisis in the affected areas.
The decision to lift the flight ban on Baardheere is seen as a small but crucial step toward resolving the broader conflict. However, the tensions between Mogadishu and Jubbaland remain unresolved, and it is uncertain whether further restrictions will be eased. Political analysts argue that a comprehensive resolution requires a collaborative approach, where both sides work toward a framework that promotes stability and cooperation rather than deepening divisions. Shirdoon’s call for lifting all remaining travel restrictions serves as a reminder that political disputes should not come at the cost of the people’s welfare. He reiterated that prioritizing the well-being of civilians should be the government’s primary concern as it navigates its disagreements with regional administrations.
The situation in Jubbaland remains delicate, and the coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of relations between the federal government and the regional administration. While lifting the flight ban on Baardheere is a welcome development, the broader question remains—will this signal the beginning of a more cooperative approach, or will tensions continue to escalate? The answer lies in the willingness of both parties to engage in meaningful discussions and find common ground for the sake of Somalia’s stability and prosperity.