The signs of statehood are gradually returning in Somalia. The government has retaken control of its air space after more than two decades. Air traffic over the Horn of Africa nation had been controlled by the United Nations from neighboring Kenya since 1992, a year after the Somali civil war broke out.
Inaugurating the aviation control center in the capital, Mogadishu, President Mohamed Farmajo described it as a sign that the country is moving forward. “We are here today because we’ve worked together, stopped fighting among ourselves, we fought division,” said Farmajo. “As you know, nothing will work if there is division and people are fighting among themselves. Today we have continuity. We are building on other things and strengthening and making an effort to achieve bigger things for the country.”
The President and government officials toured the newly equipped center last Wednesday, the day Somalia formally retook control of its airspace from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The UN aviation agency began controlling air traffic over Somalia after the county descended into civil war. Because of security concerns, the organization worked from Kenya.
Somalia’s Aviation Minister, Mohamed Salah, told reporters the entire process of controlling the country’s skies will be completed soon. “From today, the airspace of Somalia will be controlled from here. In the next two months, we will be working with others in Nairobi,” said Salah. “This is not an easy process like moving from one house to another. It will require some time.”
Critics who say that Somalia is still not safe have a point. Al-Shabab militants continue to carry out attacks against the internationally recognized government and civilians. Airplanes have been avoiding the southern part of the country, instead flying into the north and northeast, where there is relative peace and stability. But no country is entirely free from terrorism.
