Somalia’s federal government has cautioned that if the investigation substantiates the allegations, the issue could transcend national legal boundaries.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has commenced an inquiry regarding allegations that its airspace and airports were utilized without permission to transport a wanted political figure, these claims emerging from a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition associated with the Yemen conflict.
This inquiry follows a statement released Thursday by the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition engaged in Yemen.
According to the coalition, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council, departed Yemen late Wednesday following his absence from scheduled peace negotiations in Riyadh.
The coalition reports indicate that al-Zubaidi left the southern Yemeni city of Aden by sea, traveling to the Somaliland port of Berbera.
The Saudi Arabia-led military coalition stated that Aidarous al-Zubaidi boarded an aircraft in Berbera with Emirati officers, then flew to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, en route to Abu Dhabi.
The Southern Transitional Council receives support from the United Arab Emirates and has been a significant participant in affairs across southern Yemen.
Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency omitted naming al-Zubaidi in its official statement, though the timing and particulars of the reports correspond with the coalition’s narrative. The agency stated it aims to determine if proper authorization was provided for the alleged movements and whether Somali legal frameworks, procedures, or authorization protocols were adhered to.
The agency indicated that Somalia’s stance regarding the Yemen conflict continues to support international initiatives focused on dialogue and political resolution. It emphasized that any measures conflicting with those objectives would generate substantial apprehension.
‘Assisting in the movement of fugitives or conducting independent operations on Somali soil without legal permission cannot be condoned,’ the agency declared.
Somalia’s federal government also cautioned that should the investigation verify the allegations, the issue would exceed domestic legal jurisdiction. The government characterized such behavior as a violation of relevant bilateral agreements and an infringement upon international legal standards concerning the legitimate transit of individuals.
Somalia reaffirmed its dedication to legal governance and adherence to international conventions, particularly regarding the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial wholeness. The government stated that suitable actions would be implemented in accordance with the investigation’s results to guarantee responsibility for any validated transgressions.
This matter possesses implications for regional relations, especially given indications that the incident might exacerbate tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both nations are influential parties in the Yemen conflict, yet have backed opposing local factions.
Somali officials did not specify a timeframe for completing the investigation. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency mentioned it would operate in concert with national bodies and implement measures consistent with the inquiry’s conclusions.
