Mogadishu, Somalia — Former Somali ambassador to Kenya, Mohamed Ahmed Nur “Tarsan,” has urged the federal government to take decisive action against Ethiopian Airlines after the carrier reportedly stopped enforcing Somalia’s new e-visa regulations for passengers traveling to Somaliland.
The former envoy’s call adds pressure to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, which has been working to strengthen national sovereignty through tighter control over immigration and airspace management. The incident, if confirmed, raises questions about compliance with Somalia’s aviation and border policies — and about the recognition of Mogadishu’s authority over the self-declared republic of Somaliland.
Somalia introduced a mandatory electronic visa system earlier this year to streamline border procedures and ensure that all travelers entering any part of the country — including Somaliland — are registered under a unified national framework. However, according to multiple accounts, Ethiopian Airlines has allegedly continued flying passengers to Hargeisa without requiring them to obtain the Somali e-visa, effectively undermining federal regulations.
Tarsan, known for his outspoken defense of Somalia’s territorial integrity, described the airline’s actions as a “direct challenge” to national sovereignty. He called on the government to respond firmly and ensure that all foreign carriers respect the country’s laws.
The former diplomat’s remarks come amid renewed tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa following Ethiopia’s controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in early 2024, which sought to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence — a move Somalia condemned as a violation of its territorial unity.
Observers note that the dispute over e-visa enforcement touches on a deeper issue: Somalia’s struggle to assert control over its borders and reclaim authority from foreign actors who have long operated in a fragmented system shaped by years of conflict and political division.
For many Somalis, the controversy is not merely about travel documents but about dignity and sovereignty.
The federal government has not yet issued an official statement in response to Tarsan’s remarks or the alleged actions by Ethiopian Airlines. However, sources within the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation say consultations are underway to address the matter diplomatically while reaffirming Somalia’s jurisdiction over all air and border entry points.
As the debate unfolds, the issue highlights the delicate balance between enforcing national laws and maintaining fragile regional relations — a challenge that continues to test Somalia’s path toward full sovereignty and international recognition of its unified authority.