Authorities in Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State have introduced new restrictions on the transportation of weapons and military personnel by air, requiring prior approval from the regional Ministry of Security before airlines can carry them within areas under its administration.
Under the directive, individuals or organisations seeking to transport authorised weapons must apply for permission at least three days before travelling and carry official documentation issued by the ministry.
The instructions were communicated in a letter dated October 4, 2026, signed by the Director General of the Ministry of Security, Mohamud Hussein Jibriil Ateye, and addressed to airlines operating in territories controlled by the Northeastern administration.
The directive requires airlines to ensure that weapons and troops are not transported aboard their aircraft without official clearance from the ministry. It applies to all airline operators serving areas under the administration’s control.
The three-day advance notice requirement means travellers seeking to transport authorised firearms must make arrangements before their intended departure, rather than relying solely on documentation presented at the airport.
The administration says the measure is intended to strengthen oversight of the movement of weapons and security personnel within its jurisdiction.
What the new directive requires
Under the rules, airlines are expected to verify that the necessary authorisation has been obtained before transporting weapons or military personnel. Individuals and organisations seeking to move authorised weapons must submit their applications to the Ministry of Security at least three days before their journey.
Those granted permission must also present the official authorisation document issued by the ministry.
The directive places responsibility on airlines operating in the region to comply with the security instructions. However, the letter, as reported, does not specify the penalties that operators or travellers could face for violating the requirements.
It also does not provide details of any exemptions or explain how applications will be processed in urgent circumstances.