Kenya Suspends Direct Flights From Mogadishu to Nairobi Over Security Concerns

The government of Kenya has suspended direct flights from Somali’s capital Mogadishu to Nairobi over security concerns.

In a report announced by BBC, the flights had been suspended and the planes will now first have to land in Wajir for security checks before proceeding to Nairobi.

It is alleged that the decision to suspend the flights was politically motivated.

Confirming the reports, Director General of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Captain Gilbert Kibe, the decision was “purely for security reasons.”

Captain Kibe noted that the suspension will last until August 9.

However, the decision by the Kenyan government has raised concerns with the Somalis, as the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation requested Kenya to reconsider the decision.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry mentioned that the suspension is bad for the two countries strong relations.

Somalia noted that it was “deeply concerned” by the move and regretted that Kenya was being “unneighbourly.”

The statement read: “The Federal Government of Somalia believes this action places an undue burden on Somali citizens and other travelers.

Read: Kenyan Soldiers Affected By Somalia War Often Face Punishment Instead Of Treatment

“These acts also creates an unnecessary barrier on trade and movement of people between the two countries,” it continued.

Somalia called on Kenya to reconsider the decision in line with its mandate to “protect and safeguard its sovereignty and the dignity and wellbeing of its citizens.

“The FGS will, in the meantime, work with all relevant authorities to resolve this issue and take appropriate action as deemed necessary,” the ministry concluded.

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