© RFI

Map of Somaliland and Somalia.

A dispute has emerged between the authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland, over the use of the skies over Somalia. The controversy began when the government of Somalia, which claims control of Somaliland, issued an announcement requiring travelers to any part of Somalia to obtain valid electronic travel authorizations.

The move led the government in Hargeisa to declare that it was taking full control of its own airspace, requiring airlines using the route to obtain permission before entering the territory’s airspace. Several flights have reportedly been diverted from Somaliland’s airspace, creating confusion for airlines and passengers.