Somalia slams Kenya’s move to reimpose Wajir stopover for flights from Mogadishu

[Deeq A.]

The Somali government has expressed regret over Kenya’s decision to re-impose Wajir stopover for flights from Mogadishu.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday confirmed the reimposition of the Wajir stopover for all flights from Mogadishu for security checks.

In response, the Somali government termed the decision as ‘politicized’ one.

In a statement by Somali Ministry for Civilian Aviation, the government said the decision was not good for neighborly relations.

The Somali government said it understood that the move is intended to restrict movements of Somali citizens.

The ministry stated that the matter will be referred to the relevant authorities to assess the appropriate response.

The Somali government has urged the Kenyan government to ‘reconsider’ decision which will restrict trade and people from the two countries.

While direct flights from Mogadishu to Nairobi which takes about one hour and 20 minutes will need nearly two- and- half hours, with the screening stretching it by an hour.

Although Kenya does not import as much as it exports to Somalia, cargo handlers and non-governmental organizations also will be affected by the new directive.

Wajir security stopover which was introduced during the reign of President Mwai Kibaki was lifted in 2017 after leaders from Somalia and Kenya discussed the issue in Nairobi.

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