MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal aviation authorities announced on Monday that a dispute with Somaliland over the implementation of the country’s electronic visa (eVisa) system had been resolved. However, a senior Somaliland official subsequently disputed the announcement, denying that the two sides had reached a new agreement.
The conflicting statements highlight continuing disagreements between Mogadishu and Hargeisa over aviation administration, immigration procedures, and the implementation of federal government policies.
Somali Aviation Authority Says Dispute Has Been Resolved
Ahmed Ma’allin Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), told BBC Somali that obstacles surrounding the implementation of the eVisa system had been addressed.
He said the system was intended to operate nationwide and that businesses throughout Somalia, including travel agencies based in Hargeisa, would be able to participate.
“The recent dispute concerning the eVisa has been resolved, and there is now a mutual understanding regarding the implementation of the system,” Hassan said.
According to the aviation chief, travel agencies and other businesses operating in Hargeisa could benefit from payment arrangements linked to airlines and travel services.
He maintained that the electronic visa system was designed to facilitate immigration-related procedures while allowing commercial operators in different parts of the country to participate.
Somaliland Official Disputes Agreement Claims
Despite the announcement from Mogadishu, a senior Somaliland official later denied that a new agreement had been reached between the two administrations.
The denial raised questions about whether the reported understanding represented a formally negotiated agreement or the Somali federal authorities’ interpretation of arrangements concerning the eVisa system.
The identity of the Somaliland official and the full details of the response were not included in the information available for this report.
Consequently, the existence and terms of any new agreement remain disputed.
Aviation and Immigration Authority Remain Sensitive Issues
The disagreement reflects broader tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and Somaliland over administrative authority, immigration procedures, and control of aviation-related services.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, maintains its own governing institutions and administers immigration arrangements in areas under its control. Somalia’s Federal Government continues to regard Somaliland as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
These competing positions have contributed to disagreements over the implementation of nationwide administrative systems.
The introduction of electronic visa procedures has brought renewed attention to how passengers, airlines, and travel agencies should comply with requirements issued by different authorities.
Federal Aviation Chief Highlights Business Opportunities
Hassan rejected concerns that the eVisa system would disadvantage businesses operating in Somaliland.
Instead, he argued that the arrangements could create commercial opportunities for travel agencies and other operators, regardless of their location.
He said businesses in Hargeisa could participate in payment and service arrangements associated with airlines and travel-related operations.
However, the available statements do not establish whether Somaliland authorities have accepted those arrangements or whether businesses operating in Hargeisa can implement them without additional administrative requirements.
Uncertainty Remains Over Implementation
The conflicting announcements leave several important questions unanswered, including whether any formal understanding has been documented, what procedures airlines and travel agencies are expected to follow, and how the two administrations intend to address potential disagreements.
For passengers and businesses, clarity over visa requirements and the recognition of travel documents remains essential to avoiding disruptions.
Further statements from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority and Somaliland’s relevant authorities would help clarify the practical implications of the dispute.
Conclusion
Although Somalia’s federal aviation chief has declared that the eVisa dispute has been resolved, Somaliland’s reported denial indicates that the two sides have not publicly established a shared position on the matter.
Until the relevant authorities clarify the arrangements, questions surrounding the implementation of the electronic visa system are likely to remain a source of uncertainty for travelers, airlines, and travel agencies.
