Political Crisis Erupts at Somalia’s National Consultation Talks

Hassan Gallaydh
Jan 31
4 min read

Somalia’s decision to turn back aircraft carrying security personnel for the presidents of Puntland and Jubbaland has exposed the depth of the rift between Villa Somalia and the federal member states, putting the future of the country’s electoral dialogue at risk.

A serious political confrontation has erupted in Somalia after the federal government blocked aircraft carrying armed security details from Puntland and Jubbaland from landing in Mogadishu. The troops were accompanying delegations led by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Ahmed Madobe,” who were expected to attend a high-level national consultation meeting on Somalia’s electoral process

The incident occurred as the aircraft were en route from Garowe and Kismayo to Mogadishu. Prior to being turned back, video footage circulated on social media showing the security forces heavily armed and highly trained, carrying shoulder-fired weapons and other heavy arms. The images quickly fueled public debate and heightened tensions around the already fragile political talks.

Reactions from Puntland and Jubbaland

Both Puntland and Jubbaland strongly condemned the federal government’s actions, issuing separate but coordinated statements denouncing the decision as politically motivated and dangerous.

Jubbaland

The Jubbaland administration accused the federal government of deliberately blocking a plane carrying President Ahmed Madobe’s security team from landing in Mogadishu. It further alleged that Mogadishu authorities also turned away two other aircraft carrying civilian passengers attempting to land at Aden Adde International Airport. Jubbaland officials argued that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not genuinely committed to reconciliation or compromise, and they warned domestic and international stakeholders that the current trajectory threatened any meaningful political settlement.

Puntland

Puntland likewise issued a strong condemnation, stating that the federal government had unlawfully prevented an aircraft carrying President Said Deni’s security personnel from landing in Mogadishu. Puntland officials said they would never accept such actions and accused President Hassan Sheikh of endangering the lives of their forces while the aircraft were still in the air. The administration framed the move as a serious breach of trust and a sign of bad faith.

Political Implications

Blocking aircraft carrying the security details of two of Somalia’s most powerful federal member state leaders has once again laid bare the deep divisions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President Said Deni, and President Ahmed Madobe. Although Hassan Sheikh previously announced that he had withdrawn an arrest order against Ahmed Madobe, the decision to turn back the security aircraft is widely seen as contradicting that gesture.

For Puntland and Jubbaland, the incident reinforces their long-held view that Villa Somalia is not sincere about resolving the protracted political crisis through dialogue. Both leaders are now expected to reconsider traveling to Mogadishu unless assurances are provided that their personal security arrangements will be respected.

Observers have also noted a stark contrast with the previous administration. During former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s tenure, President Said Deni traveled to Mogadishu on several occasions with armed security escorts without obstruction. The current standoff highlights a significant shift in political norms and trust between the center and the regions.

As a result, the national consultation conference now appears to be facing a major setback. At a minimum, it is expected to be postponed beyond its scheduled date, and some fear it could collapse entirely if tensions continue to escalate.

Federal Government Response

The Somali federal government has insisted that its invitation to the national dialogue remains valid, despite the decision to turn back aircraft carrying armed personnel.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Security, the government emphasized that all participants in the National Consultative Forum are required to respect established security protocols. According to the ministry, these procedures are necessary to ensure a calm, secure, and orderly environment for meetings in the capital.

Press Statement – Mogadishu, February 1, 2026

The Federal Government of Somalia reaffirmed its constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety and the security of the capital. It stated that clear decisions had previously been adopted governing security procedures at Aden Adde International Airport and across Mogadishu, which have contributed to the current stability in the city.

The government expressed regret that some members of the National Consultative Forum attempted to transport armed forces and weapons whose purpose had not been disclosed, in violation of established protocols that apply equally to federal leaders, federal member state leaders, and former officials. Security agencies and the conference organizing committee informed representatives that such actions could not be accepted outside the agreed procedures.

The federal government reiterated that its call for dialogue remains unchanged and urged all participants to respect security rules so the conference can proceed in a stable and peaceful environment.

Opposition Reaction

Somalia’s political opposition, grouped under the Somali Future Council, sharply criticized the federal government’s decision to turn back the aircraft carrying the security details of Puntland and Jubbaland leaders.

In a statement, the council described the move as reckless and dangerous, warning that it jeopardized both public safety and the anticipated political talks. It accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration of making irresponsible decisions that endangered the lives of those aboard the aircraft.

The council added that it had accepted the government’s call for dialogue in good faith, but argued that recent actions by the federal authorities were actively undermining the prospects of meaningful consultations.

The standoff has underscored the fragile state of Somalia’s federal politics, where mistrust between Mogadishu and the regional administrations continues to derail efforts at consensus-building. Whether the national dialogue can be salvaged now depends on whether all sides are willing to de-escalate and restore confidence in the process.