Puntland and Jubaland have issued separate official statements sharply criticizing the Federal Government of Somalia for ordering aircraft carrying advance delegations and presidential security teams to return while en route to Mogadishu, a move both administrations say has heightened political tensions and endangered lives.

In a statement from the Puntland Presidency, the administration accused the Federal Republic of Somalia of placing at risk the lives of officers and troops assigned to protect Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, who was expected to travel to Mogadishu to attend a scheduled political dialogue. Puntland described the decision to turn back the aircraft as unacceptable, saying it signaled a lack of trust and posed a serious obstacle to political engagement. The statement added that Puntland and members of the Council for Somalia’s Future had already agreed to participate in the federal government’s consultation initiative, and noted that the incident occurred after technical committees from both sides had finalized the framework for the talks.

Puntland also appealed to the Somali public and the international community, urging them not to accept what it described as actions that undermine national unity, cohesion, and dialogue. As of publication, no official response has been issued by the federal government to the allegations.

In a separate statement, the Jubaland Presidency condemned the same decision after an aircraft carrying its advance delegation and the presidential security detail of Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe was instructed to return to Kismayo while approaching Mogadishu. Jubaland said the aircraft was ordered to turn back without clear assurances of sufficient fuel, describing the move as irresponsible and dangerous. The administration further claimed that additional civilian aircraft were also turned away from Mogadishu on the same day, pointing to wider operational disruption at the airport.

Jubaland accused the federal government of deliberately obstructing the planned consultation process in Mogadishu and rejected claims that any agreement had been reached between joint committees on arrangements for visiting delegations or the number of security personnel. It described such reports as false, while reiterating its commitment to a sustainable political settlement and continued engagement in dialogue. However, Jubaland said the federal government’s actions have created serious security concerns and further eroded confidence at a critical stage in Somalia’s political process.