GAROWE — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has spoken about flights operating between Puntland and Mogadishu, while delivering a strong message to Somalia’s Federal Government over identification requirements imposed on travelers.
Deni criticized what he described as requirements affecting Puntland residents traveling to Mogadishu, particularly the use of the NIRA identification card as part of travel and access procedures.
The Puntland president questioned the implementation of the requirement and argued that Somali citizens should not face additional barriers when traveling between different parts of the country.
His remarks come amid broader political disagreements between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia over governance, constitutional issues, federal relations and the distribution of political authority.
Deni also addressed the issue of airlines operating flights from Puntland to Mogadishu, stressing the importance of maintaining regular air connections between Somali cities.
The disagreement over identification requirements has added another issue to the already complex relationship between Puntland and the federal authorities in Mogadishu.
The Federal Government has been promoting the national identification system as part of efforts to establish a unified system for identifying Somali citizens. Puntland authorities and other political actors have previously raised concerns about aspects of federal policies and their implementation.
Deni’s latest comments are expected to fuel further discussion over freedom of movement, federal authority and the relationship between Puntland and the central government.
The specific details of any measures affecting flights from Puntland to Mogadishu, and the federal government’s response to Deni’s remarks, remain to be clarified.
