MOGADISHU, Somalia — An aircraft transporting members of both chambers of Somalia’s Federal Parliament was ordered to return to Mogadishu on Sunday while en route to Garowe, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The lawmakers were reportedly travelling to Garowe following a formal invitation from Said Abdullahi Deni, President of Puntland State. The invitation had been extended to members of both the House of the People and the Upper House elected from Puntland constituencies for consultations on the country’s political situation.

Sources confirmed that the aircraft was already airborne when it received instructions to turn back to the capital. The identity of the authority that issued the directive, as well as the official justification for the decision, has not been disclosed. No formal explanation has been provided by the relevant authorities as of the time of publication.

The planned meeting in Garowe was expected to focus on key national issues, including the electoral framework and proposed amendments to the Provisional Constitution. The consultations were also seen as part of broader political engagements amid increasing tensions between federal and regional leadership.

The development follows the recent collapse of talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Council for Somalia’s Future. In the aftermath of those discussions, President Deni returned to Garowe to engage lawmakers representing Puntland in deliberations concerning the country’s political trajectory.

Neither the Federal Government nor the Puntland administration has issued an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s return.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.