By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has acknowledged that aircraft recently departed from the coastal city of Bosaso, transporting supplies to Sudan, amid growing regional concern over the country’s deepening conflict.
The admission came after reports emerged suggesting that flights leaving Somalia’s Puntland region were being used to deliver weapons and possibly mercenaries to Sudan. Speaking to local media, a senior Somali government minister confirmed the flights but declined to specify the nature of the cargo.
While the minister stopped short of confirming that the planes carried arms or fighters, he described the reports as “deeply concerning” and emphasized that the government “does not support or condone any form of involvement in foreign conflicts.”
“It would be tragic and unacceptable for Somalia to become a route for fueling the war in Sudan,” the minister said.
Human rights groups and regional observers have expressed alarm over claims that Somali territory might be used as a transit point for weapons or armed groups participating in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Analysts say the issue could strain Somalia’s diplomatic relations, both with Sudan and international partners monitoring arms movements in the Horn of Africa.
The Federal Government has been urged to launch a full investigation into the flights and take firm action against any individuals or entities found responsible.
“The government must ensure that Somali airspace and territory are not exploited for activities that contribute to regional instability,” one rights advocate said.
The Somali Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has yet to issue an official statement clarifying who authorized the flights or their intended purpose.
