Somalia’s federal government recently introduced an e‑visa requirement for all incoming travelers, a standard sovereign measure aimed at improving border security and tracking movement amid continued threats from Al-Shabaab. Reports that some carriers, notably Ethiopian Airlines and flights originating via the UAE, are allowing passengers to travel to North regions of Somalia ( so-called Somaliland”) without the required e‑visa raise urgent questions about respect for Somalia’s authority and the security implications of unchecked travel:

– The e‑visa policy: In seeking to better identify arrivals and reduce the risk posed by violent extremists, Mogadishu’s federal authorities instituted an electronic visa system. The measure mirrors routine practices used worldwide and by neighboring states for legitimate security reasons.

– Reported noncompliance: Multiple observers and local sources allege that certain airlines and transit points have permitted passengers to board or land without the Somalia e‑visa, or have routed travelers through hubs where documentation checks are inconsistent. Such gaps, if accurate, undermine the purpose of the decree.

– Why it matters: Effective immigration controls are a frontline defense against the movement of militants, foreign fighters, illicit actors and contraband. Lax enforcement at airlines or transit airports could allow dangerous individuals to enter undetected, complicating counter‑terrorism and law‑enforcement efforts and eroding public confidence in national sovereignty.

– The Ethiopian dimension: Ethiopia is a major regional actor and contributor to security arrangements in Somalia. If Ethiopian carriers or authorities are bypassing Somalia’s visa requirements, intentionally or through procedural lapses, this raises questions about coordination between capitals, adherence to international norms, and possible political or operational motives that merit clarification.

– Broader transit concerns: The involvement of third‑country hubs (reports mention UAE transit routes) highlights how airline and airport practices outside Somalia can have direct consequences for Somali security. Airlines, ground handlers and immigration authorities across the region share responsibility for ensuring compliance with destination entry requirements.

– Need for evidence and investigation: Allegations that states or carriers are “illegally” supplying weapons or deliberately facilitating the movement of militants are serious. They require impartial investigation by competent national and international bodies; reporting should distinguish verified facts from unsubstantiated claims.Conclusion and recommendations:

– Somalia’s federal government should publish clear guidance for airlines and foreign partners on the e‑visa requirement and establish rapid mechanisms to flag and block noncompliant carriers or flights.

– Ethiopian authorities and Ethiopian Airlines should publicly clarify their procedures for enforcing Somalia’s e‑visa rule, and, if gaps exist, remedy them immediately.

– Regional partners and transit states, including UAE airports cited in reports, must coordinate to ensure that exit and entry controls uphold destination country laws.

– The African Union, United Nations and international aviation bodies (IATA, ICAO) should urge transparency, support independent verification where appropriate, and encourage diplomatic dialogue to resolve disputes while prioritizing security and respect for sovereignty.

– If noncompliance is confirmed, Somalia should consider proportionate measures, including suspending carriers that repeatedly ignore its entry rules, while pursuing diplomatic and legal remedies.

Final note: Protecting civilians and preventing terrorism are shared responsibilities. Allegations of deliberate undermining of Somalia’s immigration controls must be investigated swiftly and transparently so that policy responses are based on facts, not conjecture.

By: BURAALE ASKAR